Market volatility might make scary headlines, but for long-term investors, it is not something to fear — it is something to embrace.
In fact, when the market gets shaky, the smart money doesn't head for the exits. It goes shopping.
For ASX stock pickers with patience, discipline, and a watchlist of quality companies, market selloffs can be the best opportunity you'll get all year.
And as recent price action shows, some of the best-performing stocks in recent weeks were the very same ones that were being sold off in April.
Market volatility delivers big returns
Quality companies often go on sale during market volatility, but not for long.
Let's look at a few names that bounced back sharply after April's market dip:
- Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares were trading as low as $176.88 on 7 April. Just over a month later, they are changing hands over 40% higher at $251.83.
- ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares bottomed at $32.78 on 22 April and are now fetching $38.30. This means a return of 17% for investors.
- Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) shares touched a 52-week low of $25.01 on 9 April. They have now rebounded to $31.98, representing a gain of 28%.
- Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360) shares were trading as low as $16.74 on 7 April. Just five weeks later, they are up over 40% to $23.91.
What do all these companies have in common? They are all high-quality, growth-focused businesses with strong leadership, global scale, and long-term earnings power. But for a short time, they were mispriced — and that's exactly where stock pickers thrive.
Be ready, not reactive
The key lesson here isn't to wait for market volatility — it is to be ready for it.
Market dips don't send you an invitation. They're uncomfortable, unpredictable, and often short-lived. But if you've done your homework, kept a watchlist, and maintained the conviction to buy when others are nervous, you give yourself a serious edge.
Volatility creates temporary disconnects between price and value. It doesn't mean you have to go all in on every dip — but it is a time when opportunity is highest for those willing to look beyond the headlines.
Foolish takeaway
The market can move fast — as April and May have clearly shown. But if you're focused on quality businesses, market volatility isn't a risk. It is a gift.
Whether it is Pro Medicus, ResMed, Goodman, or Life360, some of the best long-term performers have a history of looking their most attractive when sentiment is at its worst.
So don't fear volatility. Embrace it. It's where smart stock pickers make their move.
