Wall Street has just had one of its worst two-day stretches in years. In fact, it was the biggest two-day decline since the COVID-19 market crash back in 2020.
The Dow Jones plunged over 2,200 points on Friday, following a massive fall the previous day. The S&P 500 dropped almost 6%, and the Nasdaq Composite, dominated by tech stocks, tumbled nearly 12% in just two sessions. Those are not normal moves. That's panic selling at its finest.
And yet, amid the chaos, US President Donald Trump, the very man whose tariffs have helped spark this latest rout, took to social media with one of the most striking lines of the year:
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH
Now, you may or may not agree with the politics — but the core message for investors is worth considering.
Throughout history, the best buying opportunities have emerged during moments of fear, not confidence. It is easy to buy when everything is going up. It takes guts to buy when the screen is red and headlines scream disaster.
But if you believe in long-term investing, then this kind of selloff could very well be a gift — especially for investors eyeing top-tier ASX shares.
Here are three quality companies that could be worth considering right now.
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)
This health imaging technology company develops world-leading software used by some of the biggest hospitals and research centres globally. Its growth has been phenomenal, driven by multi-year contracts, margin expansion, and ongoing global adoption of its cloud-based Visage platform.
The ASX share has consistently delivered strong profit growth and has a rock-solid balance sheet swelling with cash and no debt. The recent market selloff has brought its share price down significant, but the business fundamentals remain highly positive.
If the selloff continues, it could present one of the best long-term buying opportunities for this healthcare innovator in years.
Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $280.00 price target on its shares.
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)
Cochlear is another global leader — this time in the hearing solutions space. Its hearing implants have transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands around the world. And like Pro Medicus, this ASX share's balance sheet is in great shape, and its earnings are underpinned by long-term demographic tailwinds.
Demand for hearing solutions is only going one way as the global population ages. And Cochlear is continually reinvesting in innovation and expanding its footprint. It is the kind of high-quality company you buy, hold, and let compound over decades.
The team at Citi has a buy rating and $300.00 price target on its shares.
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)
A third ASX share that could be a top buy is REA Group. It is the name behind realestate.com.au, the market-dominating digital business that benefits from high margins, powerful network effects, and strong pricing power.
Despite a tough economic environment in recent years, REA has continued to perform strongly. And with further interest rate cuts expected this year, there's a good chance that housing market activity will be given a boost — and REA is likely to benefit as listings and advertising spend pick up.
With global equity markets dragging down local tech valuations, now could be a compelling moment to scoop up REA shares at a discount.
Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $273.00 price target on its shares.
Foolish takeaway
Market crashes don't feel good in the moment — but they can be a blessing in disguise for patient, long-term investors.
It is not about trying to pick the exact bottom. It is about recognising that the best businesses are now trading at more attractive prices. If you've been waiting for the right moment to begin or build your ASX portfolio, Trump's brash words might just contain a kernel of investing wisdom.
This might be a great time to get rich — if you're willing to look through the fear and take a long-term view.
