The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed in the red on Thursday afternoon as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to put pressure on shares across global markets.
Investors are nervous about the repercussions of surging oil prices, and inflation concerns are seeing markets beginning to price in another cash rate hike ahead of the next Reserve Bank meeting.
The majority of stocks on the ASX 200 index closed lower for the day, with the exception of some shares, most of which are in the energy sector.
While investor confidence has dropped across most sectors, some ASX shares are thriving in the current market. Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) and Woodside Energy Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are two that spring to mind.
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If I invested $10,000 in Droneshield shares one week ago, what are they worth now?
At the close of the ASX on Thursday afternoon, Droneshield shares are 3.92% lower at $3.92 a piece. But despite the decline, they're still 7.4% higher than just one week ago.
That means that $10,000 invested in Droneshield shares just one week ago is already worth an impressive $10,740.
And the great news is that analysts think the stock will keep soaring, too. TradingView data shows a strong consensus buy rating for Droneshield shares and a maximum target price of $5. That implies the stock could jump another 27.55%, at the time of writing.
The counter drone technology company was one of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet last year.
The company has faced a few headwinds over the past 12 months, but has also won some impressive contracts valued at $21.7 million.
And as geopolitical tensions keep rising, demand for defence assets around the world is climbing higher. I think Droneshield is well-positioned to absorb much of the demand.
If I invested $10,000 in Woodside shares one week ago, what are they worth now?
Woodside shares have rallied over the past six months. The stock is now worth 28.24% more than it was back in September.
At the close of the ASX on Thursday afternoon, Woodside shares were 2.07% higher at $31.05. They're now 2.14% higher over the past week.
That means that $10,000 invested in Woodside shares just one week ago is already worth $10,214.
TradingView data shows analysts are relatively divided about the stock. Of 15 analysts, seven have a hold rating, and another six have a buy or strong buy rating on Woodside shares.
The maximum target price is $33.60, which implies a potential 8.2% upside over the next 12 months.
As Australia's largest oil operator and producer, Woodside shares are being boosted by global oil supply concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Given there is no sign of how long volatility will last, it's unclear whether we can expect demand for shares in the sector to keep climbing or taper off. Some analysts warn that oil prices could keep climbing higher for a while.
The ASX energy sector is the only area that ended in the green on Thursday afternoon.
