Why I'm planning to act this week and buy ASX shares

It's a great time to invest, in my opinion…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

I'm always on the lookout for ASX share opportunities that are priced too cheaply for their future prospects. When the entire ASX share market declines amid indiscriminate selling, investors can pick up bargains.

Sell-offs don't happen for no reason, there's usually a reason for the fear. Whether that's because of a pandemic, inflation, AI worries or something else.

Those fears can make investors pause before investing, yet that's when the best prices are often presented. Who knows how long prices will stay as low as they are? Or the prices could go even lower.

In the last few years, we've seen some recoveries happen very quickly, as we saw after the tariff self-off last year and the COVID-19 drop in 2020.

With many share prices still at their lowest point in months or in some cases years, I think this could be a great time to invest.

A group of people in suits watch as a man puts his hand up to take the opportunity.

Image source: Getty Images

Why this is a great time to invest in ASX shares

I think that Warren Buffett, who led Berkshire Hathaway to become the huge business it is today, has given some very useful pieces of advice over time on how to consider times like this:

If you expect to be a net saver during the next five years, should you hope for a higher or lower stock market during that period?

Many investors get this one wrong. Even though they are going to be net buyers of stocks for many years to come, they are elated when stock prices rise and depressed when they fall.

Only those who will be sellers of equities in the near future should be happy at seeing stocks rise. Prospective purchasers should much prefer sinking prices.

There are some ASX tech shares that are now down more than 50% from their peak within the last year or so.

When a business falls 50%, if it were to recover back to that previous level then that would be a rise of 100%. Of course, we shouldn't necessarily anchor our share price expectations to where it has been at previous levels. It could take a long time to recover.

But, at this lower price, the business doesn't have the same level of expectations built into the valuation, so it's a much better time to invest. Companies like Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have fallen heavily. These three companies could be primary candidates to bounce back the most if they regain the confidence of the market.

I think this period is the right time to scan the ASX share market for opportunities. I'm planning to put money to work this week.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, WiseTech Global, and 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 WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Opinions

A boy standing on the edge of a cliff peers at a red flag in the distance through binoculars.
Opinions

Are Pro Medicus shares a buy right now?

Pro Medicus shares are down 36% this year. What now?

Read more »

Young girl peeps over the top of her red piggy bank, ready to put coins in it.
Opinions

NAB shares: Are they cheap enough to buy after the latest drop?

NAB shares are down nearly 10%. Is this a buying window?

Read more »

Woman happy and relaxed on a sofa at a shop.
Opinions

Would Warren Buffett buy this ASX 200 share?

Would the talisman of Berkshire Hathaway like this globally-growing share?

Read more »

A group of six young people doing the limbo on a beach, indicating oversold shares that can not go any lower.
Opinions

Is the worst over for Xero shares? Here's what the chart is showing

Signs are emerging that Xero shares may have found a floor...

Read more »

A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks
Opinions

Want to double your money in 2026? This is what I'd buy

High-quality ASX tech stocks are now trading well below prior highs.

Read more »

A bemused woman holds two presents of different sizes and colours and tries to make a choice.
Opinions

My ASX share portfolio: Overcoming a common investing mistake

Can you have too many shares?

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Opinions

If I had $10,000, this is the ASX stock I'd buy right now

WiseTech’s pullback may offer a rare entry into a global software leader.

Read more »

A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.
Resources Shares

Up 67% in a year! The red-hot South32 share price is smashing BHP, Rio and Fortescue

Here's why I think the miner could outpace some of its peers in 2026.

Read more »