Tag: Stock pick

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having one of its worst sessions in a long time on Monday. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 4.1% to 8,487.2 points.

Four ASX shares that have managed to avoid the selloff are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL)

The Amplitude Energy share price is up 1.5% to $2.66. This morning, this natural gas company released an update on drilling operations at the Isabella prospect in the offshore Otway Basin in Victoria. Preliminary data collected implies high deliverability and low CO2 levels in the Isabella reservoir. It said: “The gas water contact is currently interpreted as being below the Waarre C reservoir intersection, with technical results to date indicating potential for a larger gas accumulation than that implied by the Waarre C reservoir intersection alone, which supports the Joint Venture progressing to a flow test to confirm minimum gas volume and reservoir pressure.”

Cogstate Ltd (ASX: CGS)

The Cogstate share price is up almost 2.5% to $2.16. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter. It has named the healthcare technology company specialising in digital cognitive assessments as one of its best buys for March. It said: “The stock is trading at ~11x forward EV/EBITDA which looks very undemanding relative to local small cap healthcare peers (>30x avg) and large global peers (~13x avg with lower growth). The company has an impressive NAPT margin of 19% in FY25 and is well poised for leverage off the back of its second-best ever half of new sales in 1H26 which grew revenue backlog up to US$92m.”

Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

The Dexus Convenience Retail REIT share price is up 1% to $2.79. This morning, the REIT revealed that it intends to undertake an on-market buy-back with an initial target of 2.5% of securities on issue. DXC Fund Manager, Pat De Maria, said: “Around current trading levels, we believe that an on-market securities buy-back represents a compelling return on capital and further enhances value for existing securityholders.”

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is up 3% to $7.68. Investors have been buying Santos and other ASX energy shares on Monday after oil prices raced beyond US$100 per barrel. According to CNBC, the WTI crude oil is currently up 20% to US$109.12. This has been driven by news that major Middle Eastern oil producers, including Kuwait, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, have cut oil production following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The post Why Amplitude Energy, Cogstate, Dexus Convenience Retail, and Santos shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 shares dumped from the ASX 200 index (and 3 new additions)
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in March
• Santos shares rise despite CEO selling $5.6 million worth of stock
• 7 ASX 200 stocks racing higher in this week’s sinking market

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

The Immutep Ltd (ASX: IMM) share price is currently halted on Monday. This comes after the biotech company requested a trading halt from the ASX late last week.

Before being placed on ice, shares in the cancer immunotherapy developer finished Friday’s session up 3.95% to 39.5 cents.

Despite that gain, the stock has had a softer start to the year and remains around 5% lower in 2026.

Let’s take a look at what is happening with this ASX healthcare share.

Trading halt ahead of important clinical update

According to the release, Immutep requested that its shares be paused while it prepares to release a significant update to the market.

The pause relates to an upcoming update on the company’s Phase III TACTI 004 clinical trial.

Management said the move is designed to ensure trading does not occur on an uninformed basis while the company prepares its announcement.

Immutep stated that the trading halt will remain in place until the earlier of an announcement being released or the commencement of trading on 11 March 2026.

Investors are now waiting for the company to disclose the results of the interim analysis.

What the clinical trial is testing

Immutep is an Australian biotechnology company developing new treatments that help the immune system fight cancer and other diseases.

Its lead drug candidate is called eftilagimod alpha. The treatment works by stimulating the body’s immune system so it can better recognise and attack cancer cells.

The company is currently running a late-stage Phase III clinical trial known as TACTI 004, also called the KEYNOTE F91 study.

This trial is testing eftilagimod alpha alongside Keytruda, a widely used cancer treatment developed by pharmaceutical giant Merck.

The study focuses on patients with advanced head and neck cancer that has either returned or spread to other parts of the body.

As part of the trial, researchers are carrying out what is known as a futility analysis. This is an interim check to see whether the treatment appears likely to deliver positive results.

If the early data suggest the trial is on the right track, the study will continue. If not, researchers may decide it is unlikely to meet its goals.

Because this is a Phase III study, it is one of the final stages of clinical testing. The outcome of this analysis could have a major impact on Immutep’s future.

What investors will be watching

Biotech shares often react strongly to clinical trial updates, particularly when they involve late-stage studies.

If the futility analysis indicates the trial should continue, it could strengthen investor confidence in Immutep’s development pipeline.

However, if the results are disappointing, the market could react negatively.

The post Why the Immutep share price is halted today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Catapult Sports, CBA, Dyno Nobel, and Qantas shares are sinking today
• US$100 oil is a big deal for every ASX share. Here’s why
• Why Amplitude Energy, Cogstate, Dexus Convenience Retail, and Santos shares are charging higher
• Here’s why Woodside shares are demolishing the stock market
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares pushed to a new 52-week high of $31.96 during Monday trading. Woodside shares have risen 2.44% to $31.50 at the time of writing, bringing the total gain in 2026 to a massive 33%.

When energy prices start climbing, investors often turn quickly to companies that produce the fuel that powers the global economy. That appears to be happening again with Woodside shares that have been soaring while much of the broader market struggles to keep pace.

Rising geopolitical tensions

The main catalyst for Woodside shares has been a rebound in oil and liquefied natural gas prices. On Friday, the WTI crude oil price surged 12.2% to US$90.90 a barrel, and the Brent crude oil price was up 8.5% to US$92.69 a barrel.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have unsettled energy markets and driven crude prices higher. It has been lifting the wider ASX energy sector and helping propel Woodside’s share price.

Australia’s largest oil and gas producer

Operationally, the ASX energy company has also been delivering. Woodside recently reported record full-year production of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent. That’s exceeding its guidance range and reinforcing its position as Australia’s largest independent oil and gas producer.

That production strength helped the company generate roughly US$13 billion in annual revenue while maintaining solid operating performance across its global portfolio of assets.

Large LNG pipeline

A key part of Woodside’s long-term story is its large pipeline of LNG developments. Major projects such as the Scarborough gas project and Pluto Train 2 are approaching completion and are expected to support production growth over the coming years.

At the same time, the company is expanding its global footprint. One of its most significant long-term developments is the Louisiana LNG project in the United States, which could eventually position the company as a major supplier to international gas markets.

Income investors are also drawn to the stock. Woodside has long built a reputation for generous shareholder returns, with the shares offering a dividend yield of around 6% in recent periods. Those payouts have been supported by strong operating cash flow generated from its energy assets.

Delays and cost overruns

Of course, investing in energy stocks always comes with risks. The biggest challenge for Woodside shares is commodity price volatility. Woodside’s earnings can rise and fall significantly depending on movements in global oil and gas prices, which are influenced by geopolitical events, economic growth, and shifts in global supply.

Large capital projects also carry execution risks. The company is investing billions of dollars into new LNG developments, and delays or cost overruns could weigh on profitability. Credit rating agencies have also warned that large-scale investments could put pressure on balance sheets if energy prices weaken.

What next for Woodside shares?

Even so, analysts generally remain constructive on the $58 billion Woodside shares. Some market watchers believe the stock could climb further if oil and LNG prices remain elevated through 2026.

In a favourable energy cycle, some bullish forecasts suggest Woodside shares could eventually challenge previous highs near $38. That points to a potential 20% upside over 12 months.

The post Here’s why Woodside shares are demolishing the stock market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 7 ASX 200 stocks racing higher in this week’s sinking market
• Oil prices rocket 8%. Here’s where I’d put my money
• $10,000 invested in Woodside shares at the start of 2026 is now worth…
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $6.25 price target on this sports technology company’s shares. The broker has updated its forecasts to incorporate the Impect and IsoLynx transactions. Outside this, Morgans has previously spoken about how it believes Catapult is well-positioned to grow its top line by 20% per annum over the next three years to reach US$180 million by FY 2028. In light of this, the broker sees plenty of value on offer here and appears to see recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity for investors. The Catapult share price is trading at $3.59 on Monday.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $24.00 price target on this supermarket giant’s shares. The broker highlights that Coles shares are trading at a discount to rival Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). However, it believes this valuation gap is unjustified and should close given its strong performance so far and the prospect of a strong finish to FY 2026. The Coles share price is fetching $20.90 at the time of writing.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating and $32.20 price target on this industrial property company’s shares. According to the note, the broker highlights that REITs have underperformed the market this year amid concerns over higher interest rates. This is despite half-year results in the sector coming in largely ahead of expectations in February and earnings per share forecasts only falling marginally in response to rising interest rate expectations. Macquarie notes that it has a preference for quality and growth at a reasonable price in the current environment and Goodman ticks these boxes as one of its preferred exposures in the sector. This is especially the case given that the company offers resilient double-digit earnings growth, which is being supported by its data centre opportunity. The Goodman share price is trading at $26.43 on Monday.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in March
• What I’d buy if the ASX share market crashes
• Why I’d invest $5,000 in these ASX dividend shares
• 3 shares dumped from the ASX 200 index (and 3 new additions)
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

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

Artificial intelligence has produced some of the biggest winners in global markets, with chip giant Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) leading the charge.

While the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) doesn’t have a semiconductor powerhouse of that scale, one ASX share is emerging as Australia’s closest equivalent: NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT).

Hyperscale data housing

Rather than designing the chips that power AI, NextDC builds the digital infrastructure where those chips live. Its hyperscale data centres provide the high-density power, cooling, and connectivity. They are needed to run the massive GPU clusters used in AI training and cloud computing.

In other words, if Nvidia sells the engines of the AI boom, this $9 billion ASX share is helping build the highways.

Surging results

That positioning has been translating into steady growth. In its first half-year results 2026, NextDC reported total revenue of $232 million, up 13% year over year.  

Underlying EBITDA also increased with 9% to $115.3 million, reflecting expanding utilisation across its facilities. Customer demand for data centre capacity also continued to rise, with 137% to almost 417 megawatts.

Global data centre race

A key driver behind that growth is the surge in demand for AI infrastructure. Every generative AI model, cloud platform, and large-scale data application requires enormous computing power.

That has triggered a global race to build more data centres, and the ASX share is positioning itself as a major player in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The company is investing aggressively to capture that opportunity. Management has unveiled a multibillion-dollar expansion pipeline, including billions in development spending to add new capacity across Australia and Asia.

There are also signs the ASX share is becoming increasingly embedded in the global AI ecosystem. In late 2025, NextDC signed a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI to develop a hyperscale AI campus and GPU supercluster in Sydney. This project highlights the scale of computing demand expected in the coming years. 

What next for the ASX share?

Wall Street and local brokers appear to be taking notice. According to consensus estimates, the ASX share carries a strong buy rating from most analysts. The average 12-month price targets sit around $20. 

The most bullish forecast is set at $31.02, a potential 127% upside at the current share price of $13.69. Morgans retained its buy rating on the ASX share and a price target of $20.50, a potential plus of roughly 50% over 12 months.

The broker believes the valuation still looks attractive. Morgans notes that the company now has about 416 megawatts of contracted capacity, which “underpins FY29 underlying EBITDA of greater than $700 million without new contract wins.”

Foolish Takeaway

Of course, the investment case in this ASX share isn’t risk-free. Data centres are capital-intensive assets, and NextDC is spending billions to expand its footprint. Rising energy costs and the massive power requirements of AI facilities could also become constraints for future growth. 

Even so, the bigger picture remains compelling. AI is driving one of the largest technology infrastructure buildouts in history, and NextDC sits squarely in the middle of it.

Australia may not have its own US$4.3 trillion Nvidia yet. But when it comes to powering the AI revolution locally, NextDC is arguably the closest thing the ASX has.

The post Is NextDC the ASX share closest to Nvidia? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: NextDC, WiseTech Global, and CBA shares
• 2 ASX growth stocks set up for massive gains in 2026+
• 2 Aussie stocks primed to surge in 2026
• 2 ASX 200 shares you’ll be glad you held for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares down 25% or more that could roar back

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

The Dyno Nobel Ltd (ASX: DNL) share price is heading south in early Monday trade despite the company releasing a significant strategic update.

At the time of writing, shares in the explosives and fertilisers company are down 3.54% to $3.27. This comes even after Dyno Nobel confirmed a major step forward in its plan to simplify the business.

The weakness appears to be more about broader market conditions than company-specific news. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down about 3.1% in early trading as escalating conflict in the Middle East weighs on global markets.

Let’s take a closer look at what the company announced today.

Dyno Nobel completes fertilisers separation

According to the release, Dyno Nobel has entered into a binding agreement to sell its Phosphate Hill fertiliser business. The asset will be acquired by Australian energy and resources group Mayfair.

The transaction represents the final step in Dyno Nobel’s plan to separate its fertiliser operations and focus on its core explosives business.

Under the terms of the deal, the purchase price for Phosphate Hill is nominal consideration of $1. However, Dyno Nobel could receive up to $100 million in deferred payments depending on future performance conditions.

Mayfair will assume responsibility for the operational and environmental liabilities associated with the asset from completion. The company will also take on the economic risk of running the operation from 1 April 2026.

Dyno Nobel will contribute $125.9 million in funding to support future rehabilitation obligations at the site, reflecting existing provisions already recognised on its balance sheet.

The deal is expected to complete during the third quarter of FY26, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.

Explosives business remains strong

While Dyno Nobel is exiting fertilisers, management highlighted that its explosives business continues to perform well.

The company said its explosives division has delivered a solid operating performance so far in FY26. It remains on track to achieve EBIT guidance of $460 million to $500 million for the full year.

Currency headwinds in the Americas are expected to be offset by stable conditions across the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America regions.

Dyno Nobel Chief Executive Officer Mauro Neves said the transaction marks an important milestone for the company.

He commented:

The sale of Phosphate Hill to Mayfair is an important milestone that concludes our separation from the fertilisers business. This transaction delivers the certainty we have been working towards and allows us to fully focus on our future as a global explosives leader.

What next for the Dyno Nobel share price?

Although the share price is falling today, the broader market weakness looks to be playing a key role.

Global markets have been rattled by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, prompting investors to seek safer assets and dragging equities lower.

Even with today’s decline, Dyno Nobel shares have still performed strongly over the longer term. The stock is up roughly 20% over the past 12 months.

With the fertiliser divestment largely resolved, investors will now focus on the performance of the company’s core explosives business.

The post Why this ASX stock is slipping after today’s major announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Is NextDC the ASX share closest to Nvidia?
• Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in March
• 4 ASX ETFs to ride through recessions and market crashes
• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Zip shares

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

If you are on the lookout for some investment ideas, then read on. That’s because Bell Potter has been busy picking out its best ideas for March from the smaller side of the market.

Listed below are two more ASX shares that the broker has just named as best buys for the month ahead. Here’s what it is saying about them:

Adveritas Ltd (ASX: AV1)

The first ASX share that could be a top buy this month according to Bell Potter is Adveritas.

It is a technology company that is focused on maximising the return on digital advertising spend with its TrafficGuard platform.

Bell Potter notes that it has established a dominant position in the sports betting vertical and is growing its presence in ecommerce. It said:

Adveritas is a technology company that develops software solutions for enterprise customers which help maximise the return on digital ad spend. The key product of the company, TrafficGuard, is a SaaS platform that detects and intercepts fraudulent traffic (e.g. bots) in real time which enables advertisers to reduce wasted ad spend and optimise their budgets.

The market for ad fraud software like TrafficGuard is relatively nascent but is growing rapidly and Adveritas is already a leading global player. The TrafficGuard platform is scaling rapidly, with AV1 having established a dominant position in the online sports betting vertical and a growing presence across adjacent sectors such as eCommerce.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Another ASX share that Bell Potter is bullish on this month is sports technology company Catapult Sports.

It likes the company because of its leadership position in a market that is expected to grow from US$36 billion in 2025 to US$72 billion in 2030. Bell Potter believes this leaves Catapult Sports well-positioned to grow its subscription revenues over the remainder of the decade. It explains:

Catapult Sports is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearing tracking solutions and analytics for athlete tracking. The key target market of Catapult is elite sporting teams and organisations and the acquisition of SBG also now gives the company a presence in motorsports. The pro sports technology market is currently valued at US$36bn in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72bn by 2030.

We view CAT as a market leader entering a stronger phase of cash generation and operating leverage, with an underpenetrated global customer base and expanding analytics suite providing a long runway for subscription growth and valuation upside.

The post Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 3 shares dumped from the ASX 200 index (and 3 new additions)
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 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 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.

A portfolio with these 4 ASX ETFs has proven capable of weathering major market crises while still delivering strong long-term returns.

This portfolio spreads investments across thousands of companies worldwide, multiple sectors, and defensive assets while maintaining very low fees.

Many long-term Australian investors use a structure like this with multiple ASX ETFs. Let’s have a closer look.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

This ASX ETF forms the income backbone of the portfolio.

VAS tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors exposure to hundreds of Australia’s largest companies. The ETF is heavily weighted toward financials and resources. They have historically been two of the most resilient sectors in the Australian economy.

Major holdings include blue-chip shares such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

These companies generate enormous cash flows and tend to keep paying dividends even during economic downturns. This income stream, often boosted by franking credits, can be especially valuable when markets become volatile.

With a management fee of around 0.07%, this ASX ETF is also one of the most cost-effective ways to gain broad Australian market exposure.

Suggested allocation: 35%

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This ASX ETF adds global diversification and long-term growth potential.

VGS holds more than 1,300 companies across developed markets, with strong representation in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Its largest positions include global technology and consumer giants such as Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

These companies dominate global industries and possess enormous balance sheets and pricing power. Many continued expanding during past crises such as the global financial crisis and the pandemic.

This ASX ETF reduces reliance on the Australian economy while providing exposure to sectors underrepresented on the ASX, particularly global technology and innovation.

Suggested allocation: 35%

VanEck FTSE Global Infrastructure ETF (ASX: IFRA)

This VanEck ASX ETF invests in global infrastructure companies, including utilities, pipelines, transport assets, and communication towers. Infrastructure businesses tend to generate stable and predictable cash flows, which is why they are commonly used as defensive holdings in investment portfolios.

The ASX ETF tracks the FTSE Global Core Infrastructure Index and focuses primarily on utilities, energy infrastructure, and transport assets worldwide. It is currency hedged to the Australian dollar, and the management fee is around 0.20%.

Infrastructure ETFs can work well in a recession-focused portfolio because the services they provide are essential to the functioning of the economy. Revenues are often contracted or regulated. This helps provide greater predictability, and cash flows are generally more stable than those of typical equities.

Suggested allocation: 20%

BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (ASX: AAA)

The BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF provides the defensive buffer.

Unlike equity ETFs, AAA invests in high-interest bank deposit accounts. This means its value tends to remain stable while generating interest income linked to Australian cash rates.

During severe market sell-offs, this allocation can reduce overall volatility. It also provides liquidity that investors can deploy into equities at lower prices.

Having a small cash allocation can also make it psychologically easier to stay invested during major market downturns.

Suggested allocation: 10%

The post 4 ASX ETFs to ride through recessions and market crashes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What I’d buy if the ASX share market crashes
• 2 ETFs I’d buy and hold for the next 20 years
• 4 reasons not to panic-sell ASX shares during March
• The easy way to build a diversified ASX share portfolio
• 3 ASX shares perfect for beginners

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, CSL, and Nvidia and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, 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.

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price has suffered enormous volatility over the last six months, as the chart below shows. But, instead of being fearful, this could be the right time to look at the buy now, pay later business.

When valuations fall this hard, it can be a good idea to think about what might happen when market confidence returns.

While the market didn’t love the recent FY26 half-year result from Zip, there were a number of positives, and some analysts are optimistic about what the business can achieve in the coming years.

FY26

Broker UBS noted that the FY26 half-year result was a “slight miss” compared to estimates, but suggested that the Zip share price decline was “an overreaction, given US growth remains strong and whilst net bad debts had increased, this was not unexpected given Zip is now focusing on customer growth in the region and still within the comfort range of 1.5% to 2%.”

UBS is forecasting that US total transaction value (TTV) could grow by 38% in the second half of FY26. The broker suggests that Zip’s US growth is being driven by two things, which is ongoing growth of buy now, pay later in the US and a focus on predominantly non-discretionary verticals which are more resilient through economic cycles”

The broker estimates that its earnings per share (EPS) could rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% over the next three years, which UBS thinks is attractive relative to buy now, pay later and banking peers.

Taking all of the above into account, UBS predicts that Zip’s net profit could more than double in the 2026 financial year to $112 million.

FY27

The broker predicts ongoing profit growth in the 2027 financial year for the business, which could see the company deliver net profit of $151 million in FY27.

These ongoing improvements in profit are expected to be driven by strong growth in the US. UBS predicts US TTV growth of 30% in FY27 for Zip.

FY28

Two exciting things could happen for owners of Zip shares in the 2028 financial year.

Firstly, its net profit could rise again in FY28 to $199 million.

Second, the company could start paying a dividend to shareholders, starting with an annual payout of 8 cents per share in FY28.

The broker UBS is expecting the company’s US division to deliver TTV growth of 22% in FY28.

FY29

The 2029 financial year could see the buy now, pay later business deliver even more profit progress.

UBS suggests the business could achieve a net profit of $259 million in FY29.

FY30

Finally, the business could achieve its most profitable year ever in the 2030 financial year.

The start of the 2030s could see the buy now, pay later business deliver net profit of $337 million, meaning profit may triple from the expected amount for the 2026 financial year.

The post Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Zip shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget NAB shares, this ASX fintech stock could double in value
• How I’d invest $20,000 in the ASX share market right now
• 3 reasons to buy this oversold ASX growth stock today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX growth stocks primed to rocket in 2026

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 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.

Oil prices have surged as the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies across the Middle East.

Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude have both climbed above the US$100 per barrel mark for the first time since 2022, triggering a strong rally across global energy markets.

The move reflects growing fears that the escalating conflict could disrupt oil supplies across one of the world’s most important energy-producing regions.

Here is what is driving the move.

Oil prices surge as conflict threatens global supply

Global oil markets have reacted strongly as the conflict in the Middle East enters its 10th day.

According to Trading Economics, WTI crude oil has jumped about 19% to roughly US$108 per barrel, while Brent crude is up around 17% to US$108 per barrel.

The rise comes as escalating military strikes between Israel and Iran raise concerns about disruptions to oil supplies across the region.

One of the biggest risks to global energy markets is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping route between Iran and Oman.

Around 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes through this strategic waterway.

Recent reports suggest tanker traffic through the strait has slowed dramatically amid rising security threats and attacks on shipping vessels.

Some Middle Eastern producers have already begun cutting output or halting shipments, which is tightening supply in global energy markets.

With supply risks rising quickly, oil traders have pushed prices significantly higher.

The OOO share price is rocketing

The sharp move in oil prices is flowing through to the Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: OOO).

The ETF aims to track the performance of the S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index, which reflects movements in global oil prices.

Because the fund is currency hedged, it is designed to track the underlying oil price without the impact of fluctuations in the Australian dollar.

As oil prices have surged in recent days, the ETF has followed.

Over the past week alone, the OOO share price has surged more than 60%, rising to its latest price of $9.50.

Year to date, the ETF is now up close to 85%, reflecting the powerful rally in crude markets.

Trading volumes have also jumped as investors seek quick exposure to rising energy prices.

What happens next for oil prices

Where oil prices go next will largely depend on how the conflict develops.

Analysts say the biggest concern remains the potential for a long-term disruption to energy shipments through the Persian Gulf.

If the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted or damaged, infrastructure reduces production across the region, and global supply could tighten further.

Some analysts have warned that oil could climb well above US$120 per barrel if the conflict escalates and supply disruptions worsen.

Right now, however, energy markets remain extremely sensitive to developments in the Middle East.

And that means the OOO share price could remain volatile as investors react to new updates from the conflict.

The post Oil rockets past US$100 as Iran war escalates. This ASX oil ETF is surging appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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