ASX 200 shares are trading at 8,918.1 points, down 0.4% at the time of writing.

Iran will reportedly participate in a second round of talks with US officials in Islamabad before the two-week ceasefire ends.

Meanwhile on The Bull this week, two experts have provided their views on three popular ASX 200 shares.

Let's see what they had to say.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price is $22.70, down 0.53% today and up 6.4% in the year to date (YTD).

Dylan Evans from Catapult Wealth has a buy rating on this ASX 200 consumer staples giant.

Evans said:

The supermarket giant posted a solid first half result in fiscal year 2026, maintaining margins and delivering earnings before interest and tax growth of 10.2 per per cent.

Coles has continued to grow its share of own-brand sales, leverage its quality locations into home delivery and online sales growth and expand locations to capture population growth.

The Middle East conflict and its inflationary impacts may be a short term disruption, but an inflationary environment is somewhat cushioned for supermarkets, particularly compared to more discretionary sectors.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is $74.26, down 0.5% today and down 18.5% over the past six months.

Wesfarmers is the largest company by market capitalisation in the ASX 200 consumer discretionary market sector.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a sell rating on Wesfarmers shares.

He says recent trading suggests slowing consumer demand and cost pressures are weighing on investor sentiment.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index dropped 12.5% to 80.1 this month.

That's the biggest fall since the start of the pandemic.

It signals that people are worried about the ongoing oil price shock and an anticipated increase in inflation and interest rates.

Athanasiou said:

With much of its value already priced in amid a mixed outlook on near term retail growth, Wesfarmers lacks fresh catalysts to drive meaningful upside.

Trimming positions into strength may be prudent for investors seeking a better risk-reward proposition.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $55.68, down 0.02% today and up 52.5% over the past 12 months.

BHP is the largest ASX 200 mining share on the Australian share market.

Athanasiou has a hold rating on BHP shares.

BHP is one of the world's largest diversified miners, with high quality assets in iron ore, copper and energy minerals. The company generates strong cash flows and dividends, benefiting from its scale and operational efficiency.

However, BHP's performance is closely tied to volatile commodity cycles, particularly iron ore prices and global demand, which can cap near term valuation expansion.

While long-term fundamentals in key metals remain robust, with electrification and decarbonisation trends supporting copper demand, the stock is fairly priced and may trade sideways until clearer commodity drivers emerge.

The post Buy, hold, or sell? Coles, Wesfarmers, BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That would likely lead me toward companies with strong positions in their industries and earnings that can support reliable dividends.

Here are four ASX shares I would look at right now.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is one of the first names that comes to mind for passive income.

It generates significant cash flow from its large-scale mining operations and that flows through to dividends when conditions are supportive.

I also like the direction the business is heading. Copper is becoming a bigger part of the story, which ties into long-term demand from electrification and infrastructure.

There is also future growth from potash, which could add another layer to earnings over time.

Overall, I think this makes the mining giant a great option for an income portfolio.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is another ASX share that could be a good candidate for a passive income portfolio.

The telco leader operates in an essential industry, with customers relying on its network every day. That creates recurring revenue, which helps support its dividend.

In addition, the business continues to invest in its network, which supports its position and earnings over time.

As a result, I see this as one of the steadier income options on the ASX.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie adds something different to the mix.

Its earnings come from a range of activities, including asset management, infrastructure, and financial services. That diversification can support income over time, even as different parts of the business move through cycles.

I also like how the company allocates capital. It has a long history of identifying opportunities and building new earnings streams, which can support both growth and dividends.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is a business I associate with consistency.

People continue to spend on groceries regardless of the broader environment, and that helps support steady revenue and earnings.

The company is also busy investing in its supply chain and operations, which can improve efficiency over time.

I think that combination makes it a reliable and defensive option when I'm thinking about income.

Foolish takeaway

If I were building a passive income portfolio, I would focus on businesses that can keep generating cash and returning it to shareholders over time.

These companies each bring something different, but they all have the ability to support income through a range of conditions, which is what I would look for in this part of the market.

The post Where I'd invest on the ASX for passive income right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) supermarket giant closed on Friday trading for $22.54. As we head into the Monday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $22.85 apiece, up 1.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is just about flat at this same time.

Taking a step back, Coles shares have underperformed the benchmark index over the past full year, gaining 6.2% compared to the 14.5% 12-month gains posted by the ASX 200.

Of course, that's not including the two fully franked dividends the supermarket paid out to eligible stockholders over this time. Coles stock currently trades on a 3.2% fully franked dividend yield.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Should you buy Coles shares today?

Catapult Wealth's Dylan Evans recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 200 supermarket (courtesy of The Bull).

Citing the first reason he has a buy rating on Coles shares, he said, "The supermarket giant posted a solid first half result in fiscal year 2026, maintaining margins and delivering earnings before interest and tax growth of 10.2%."

Among the tailwinds to its earnings, Evans noted, "The liquor business struggled, but it only makes up a small percentage of group revenue, so its overall impact is limited."

As for the second reason you may want to buy Coles shares today, Evans said, "Coles has continued to grow its share of own-brand sales, leverage its quality locations into home delivery and online sales growth and expand locations to capture population growth."

And with the Iran war showing signs that it may drag on far longer than we'd like, he noted that Coles is well-placed to weather the potential negative impacts of higher energy prices.

Evans concluded:

The Middle East conflict and its inflationary impacts may be a short-term disruption, but an inflationary environment is somewhat cushioned for supermarkets, particularly compared to more discretionary sectors.

What's the latest from the ASX 200 supermarket?

The last price sensitive news out from Coles was the company's half year (H1 FY 2026) results, released on 27 February.

Atop the earnings growth Evans mentioned above, Coles reported a 2.5% year on year increase in sales revenue to $23.6 billion.

The company's online business was a standout performer, with its supermarket's eCommerce segment achieving sales growth of 27.0%.

On the bottom line, net profit after tax (excluding significant items) of $676 million was up 12.5% from H1 FY 2025.

Amid high investor expectations, Coles shares closed down 7.4% on the day of the results release.

The post 3 reasons to buy Coles shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But are they buys, holds, or sells right now? Let's see what analysts are saying about them this week, courtesy of The Bull.

Here's what they are recommending:

BHP shares

The team at Red Leaf Securities has named mining giant BHP as a hold this week.

Although it is positive on its long-term outlook, it believes that BHP shares are fair valued at current levels and are likely to remain in a holding pattern until clearer commodity drivers emerge.

Commenting on the Big Australian, Red Leaf said:

BHP is one of the world's largest diversified miners, with high quality assets in iron ore, copper and energy minerals. The company generates strong cash flows and dividends, benefiting from its scale and operational efficiency.

However, BHP's performance is closely tied to volatile commodity cycles, particularly iron ore prices and global demand, which can cap near term valuation expansion. While long-term fundamentals in key metals remain robust, with electrification and decarbonisation trends supporting copper demand, the stock is fairly priced and may trade sideways until clearer commodity drivers emerge.

Coles shares

The team at Catapult Wealth is feeling positive on supermarket giant Coles and has named its shares as a buy this week.

It was pleased with the company's performance in the first half of FY 2026. And while its liquor business is underperforming, it isn't a major part of Coles' earnings, so the overall impact is somewhat limited.

In light of this and its defensive qualities, Catapult Wealth thinks that now could be a good time to buy Coles shares. It explains:

The supermarket giant posted a solid first half result in fiscal year 2026, maintaining margins and delivering earnings before interest and tax growth of 10.2 per cent. The liquor business struggled, but it only makes up a small percentage of group revenue, so its overall impact is limited. Coles has continued to grow its share of own-brand sales, leverage its quality locations into home delivery and online sales growth and expand locations to capture population growth.

The Middle East conflict and its inflationary impacts may be a short term disruption, but an inflationary environment is somewhat cushioned for supermarkets, particularly compared to more discretionary sectors.

The post BHP vs Coles shares: Which is the better buy this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

A few years ago, the business was able to pass on the elevated inflation to customers to offset the rise in costs. I think it would be largely be able to do so again, if there were another bout of extended inflation in food prices.

Time will tell how much inflation occurs as a result of the jump in fuel and fertiliser costs.

Is the Coles share price an opportunity?

I think the company's FY26 half-year result reflected the ongoing performance of the business.

HY26 supermarket sales increased by 3.6% to $21.4 billion, while total revenue rose 2.5% to $23.6 billion. Supermarket operating profit (EBIT) climbed by 14.6% to $1.2 billion and group EBIT rose 10.2% to $1.2 billion. The liquor EBIT and 'other' EBIT loss essentially cancelled each other out in HY26.

Underlying net profit after tax climbed by 12.5% to $676 million. This is a key driver of the Coles share price.

The fact that EBIT grew faster than revenue and that net profit rose faster than EBIT demonstrated the company's ability to generate operating leverage. In other words, improving profitability throughout the business.

Part of the recent success of the business can be put down to its new distribution and logistics facilities. It has built new automated distribution centres (ADCs) and customer fulfillment centres (CFCs). This can help with better stock availability, better efficiencies on costs and improved product freshness.

The CFCs can also help the company provide a strong online shopping offering. During the HY26 period, e-commerce sales grew by 27%, with online sales representing 13.1% of total supermarket sales. As time goes on, its online capabilities will be increasingly important, in my view.

If the business can continue growing its sales, slowly improve its profit margins and hike its dividend, it could be a solid, dependable pick.

In terms of the dividend, the business has increased its annual dividend per share each year since 2019. It currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.6%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

When you put all of that together, I think the Coles share price is appealing for the long-term, though it's not the cheapest it has been.

The post Is the Coles share price an opportunity too good to pass up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

A new technology trend, a speculative fast-growing company, or a sector that suddenly captures everyone's attention. It is easy to get drawn toward those stories.

But over time, I think a different group of ASX shares tends to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

The ones that quietly grow, generate steady cash flow, and keep showing up year after year.

The appeal of predictable ASX shares

One of the things I value more as an investor is predictability.

Businesses that sell essential products or services often have a clearer path forward. Their revenue is not dependent on a single breakthrough or a narrow window of opportunity.

Companies like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) fall into that category.

Grocery retail is not the most exciting industry, but it is deeply embedded in everyday life. That creates a level of demand that can support consistent earnings over time.

For me, that consistency can make a big difference when holding a share for many years.

Compounding does not need excitement

The idea of compounding is simple, but the way it plays out is often underestimated.

A business that can grow earnings steadily, reinvest capital, and return cash to shareholders can build significant value over time, even if it does not attract much attention along the way.

That is part of what I see in ASX shares like Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

Its toll road assets generate revenue from everyday usage, and those cash flows tend to grow gradually alongside population and economic activity.

It is not a story that changes dramatically from year to year, but that can be what supports long-term returns.

Stability can support better decisions

Another benefit of owning more predictable businesses is how they influence behaviour.

When a share price moves sharply, it can lead to more reactive decisions. Investors may feel the need to act, even when nothing fundamental has changed.

With steadier businesses, I think it can be easier to stay focused on the long term.

That is one reason I like companies such as Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

They operate in a competitive industry, but demand for groceries and telco services remains consistent. That creates a level of stability that can make it easier to hold them through different market conditions.

The trade-off is worth understanding

Boring ASX shares are not perfect.

They may not deliver the same upside as faster-growing companies, and they can still face challenges over time. But they often offer something that I think is just as valuable.

A clearer path forward. That clarity can make it easier to stay invested, which is often one of the most important factors in long-term success.

Foolish Takeaway

The share market will always offer exciting opportunities. But for me, there is also value in owning businesses that quietly do their job and continue to grow over time.

I think Woolworths, Transurban, Coles, and Telstra highlight how the ASX shares that feel the least exciting are the ones that are easiest to hold, and that can make a meaningful difference over time.

The post Why I think 'boring' ASX shares could make you richer over time appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The market was caught off-guard by news of a major fire at one of Australia's two oil refineries yesterday.

This will undoubtedly add pressure to the fuel supply chain and potentially add to inflation and the chances of higher interest rates.

Amid the growing global fuel crisis, brokers have indicated continuing confidence in several ASX 200 shares.

These companies received renewed buy ratings this week.

Let's review.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

The Rio Tinto share price closed at $172.60 on Thursday, down 0.7%.

Over the past month, the ASX mining giant has lifted 11.6%.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Rio Tinto stock this week.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $168 to $183.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price finished the session at $37.73, down 1.3%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has edged 0.75% higher.

Morgan Stanley maintained its buy rating on ANZ shares this week.

But the broker shaved its 12-month price target from $37.80 to $37.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price closed at $81.86 yesterday, up a whopping 9%.

In an apparent rebound for the entire tech sector, Xero shares have risen 16.1% since 30 March.

UBS reiterated its buy rating on Xero shares this week.

However, the broker slashed its 12-month target from $174 to $127.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price closed at $14.15, up 2.6% on Thursday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 uranium share has rocketed 27.6%.

Morgan Stanley kept its buy rating in place with a $14.45 price target this week.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price finished yesterday's trading day at $4.62, down 0.2%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mining share has lifted 11.1%.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy recommendation this week.

The broker also lifted its share price target from $4.70 to $5.

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)

The Iluka Resources share price closed at $7.77, up 4%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mineral sands share has ripped 20.7%.

Morgan Stanley maintained a buy rating and raised its target from $6.70 to $7.90.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip was the third-strongest performer within the ASX 200 yesterday.

The Zip share price ripped 11.4% higher to $2.05 ahead of its quarterly update today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has soared 28.1%.

Citi reiterated its buy rating on the buy now, pay later provider this week.

The broker has a $2.60 price target on Zip shares.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price closed at $22.70, up 0.2%, yesterday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has lifted 9%.

Jefferies reiterated its buy rating this week.

The broker also raised its share price target on Coles from $23.50 to $25.50.

The post ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That usually leads me toward businesses with steady cash flow, resilient demand, and a track record of returning capital to shareholders.

Here are three ASX shares I would consider for passive income in April and beyond.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is one of the more straightforward income plays on the ASX. It operates critical telecommunications infrastructure that underpins how Australians connect, work, and consume data. That creates a large and relatively stable customer base.

What I like most is the consistency. Mobile plans, broadband services, and enterprise contracts all contribute to recurring revenue, which supports earnings visibility. That, in turn, helps underpin its dividend.

Telstra may not deliver rapid growth, but I think it offers a level of stability that suits an income-focused approach.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban provides a different type of income exposure. It owns and operates toll roads, which generate revenue from everyday usage. These assets are long-dated and often linked to inflation, which can help support distribution growth over time.

What I like here is the predictability. Traffic volumes can fluctuate in the short term, but over longer periods, usage tends to grow alongside population and economic activity.

The company has also been guiding to higher distributions, which reflects confidence in its underlying cash flow.

For income investors, that kind of visibility can be valuable.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Lastly, Coles adds exposure to everyday consumer spending. Grocery retail is not immune to competition, but demand for food and essentials remains relatively stable.

That creates a consistent revenue base, which supports earnings and dividends.

What I find appealing is the balance. Coles may not offer the highest dividend yield on the market, but it combines income with a business that people rely on regularly.

Over time, incremental improvements in efficiency and operations can also support gradual growth in earnings.

Foolish takeaway

For me, building passive income is about combining businesses that can continue generating cash flow through different conditions.

Telstra offers stable, recurring income from essential services, Transurban provides exposure to infrastructure with long-term revenue streams, and Coles adds defensiveness through everyday consumer demand.

Together, they represent the kind of foundation I would look for when building an income-focused portfolio over time.

The post The ASX shares I'd buy for passive income in April and beyond appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For me, it is more about reliability. I want businesses that can keep generating cash through different conditions and continue paying dividends over time.

That usually means focusing on companies with stable demand, strong market positions, and the ability to grow earnings, even if only gradually.

Here are three ASX dividend shares I would consider for dependable passive income.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is an interesting way to access income through property, but with a very specific focus.

It owns large-format retail centres that are anchored by tenants providing everyday services. This includes supermarkets, medical centres, and discount retailers. These are places people tend to visit regularly, regardless of the broader economic backdrop.

What I find appealing is how that translates into rental income. When tenants are tied to essential spending, it can support more stable occupancy and cash flow. That, in turn, underpins distributions to investors.

The yield on offer here is attractive, but for me, it is the nature of the underlying assets that stands out. It is property, but not the kind that relies heavily on discretionary retail.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is a business that tends to operate quietly in the background, but I think that is part of its appeal.

Grocery retail is highly competitive, but it is also incredibly consistent. People continue to spend on food and essentials, which gives the business a steady revenue base.

What I like here is the operational focus. Margins in supermarkets are not large, so execution matters. Over time, improvements in supply chains, store formats, and private label offerings can make a real difference to profitability. Coles is an expert at this.

For income investors, that consistency in earnings is key. It supports dividends that may not be the highest on the market, but are generally reliable.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers offers a slightly different take on income. It is not a high-yield stock, but I think it brings something important to an income-focused approach, and that is resilience.

Its portfolio of businesses, led by Bunnings and Kmart, gives it exposure to different parts of the economy. That diversification can help smooth earnings over time.

What stands out to me is how the company allocates capital.

It has a track record of investing in growth areas while still returning cash to shareholders through dividends. That balance can support both income today and the potential for higher dividends in the future.

For me, Wesfarmers is a way to combine income with long-term stability.

Foolish takeaway

Reliable passive income usually comes from businesses that can keep performing, rather than those offering the highest headline yields.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT provides income backed by essential property assets, Coles delivers steady earnings from everyday spending, and Wesfarmers adds diversification and long-term resilience.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares I'd buy for reliable passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This morning's price movement means the supermarket giant's share price is now up 4% for the year-to-date and 7.6% over the past year.

It hasn't been a slow and steady increase though. The past 12 months were filled with wild volatility and many sharp share price climbs and crashes. 

Coles shares rocketed 16% in August last year off the back of its FY25 financial results but then a slow and consistent decline saw the shares slump over 14% to early-January this year.

As Coles moved into 2026, the tide began turning, and positive sentiment saw the shares climb nearly 8% to mid-February before crashing again, this time just over 8%, and wiping out any 2026 gains, in early-March. 

This time the catalyst was the company's FY26 results which revealed broadly strong growth figures, albeit below expectations, followed by its shares going ex-dividend.

As if that wasn't enough, the seesaw has continued. Coles shares pivoted again, jumping 11% higher in the last two weeks of March before cooling down into April.

Investors can't catch a break!

So if I invested $5,000 in Coles shares 10 days ago, what are they worth now?

On the 30th of March, Coles shares closed the day at $22.19 a piece. That's a tiny 0.023% below the current trading price at the time of writing.

It means $5,000 invested in the supermarket giant's shares 10 days ago is now worth $5,001.15! It's not a big upside, but its a gain nonetheless.

What can we expect next out of the shares?

It's been a very rocky past few months for Coles, and it could face some headwinds from renewed concerns about inflation this year. 

But the stock is still very defensive and the business is well-positioned to perform well under pressure. 

Its 2025 growth strategy has also paid off and its customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution are expected to remain solid. 

According to TradingView data, analysts are mostly very bullish on the outlook for Coles shares this year. Out of 18 analysts, 15 have a buy or strong buy rating and another two rate the shares as a hold. 

The average target price of $23.07, which implies a potential 4% upside at the time of writing. But some think the share price can climb over 12% to $24.90.

The post $5,000 invested in Coles shares 10 days ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But not all are necessarily buys.

So, let's see what Morgans is saying about three very popular shares this month:

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Morgans has been looking at supermarket giant Coles and sees an opportunity for investors after recent weakness in its share price.

While the broker wasn't overly impressed with its performance in the first half, it has seen enough to upgrade its shares to an accumulate rating and $22.90 price target. It explains :

While COL's 1H26 result was slightly softer than expected, execution remains strong in the core Supermarkets division. […] Despite the slight downgrade to earnings, our target price remains unchanged at $22.90 due to a roll-forward of our valuation to FY27 forecasts. With a 12-month forecast TSR of 15%, we upgrade our rating to ACCUMULATE (from HOLD).

In our view, COL continues to perform well with key Supermarkets metrics such as customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution remaining solid. We hence view the recent share price pullback as an attractive entry point.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

This drinks giant is going through a tough period. And while Morgans has seen a few positives, it thinks investors should keep their powder dry until at least its investor day next month.

The broker has put a hold rating and $3.65 price target on Endeavour's shares. It said:

There were no major surprises in EDV's 1H26 result following the company's trading update in January. While EDV continues to work on its refreshed strategy with further details to be provided at an investor day on 27 May, management confirmed that the combined Retail and Hotels portfolio will be retained. Management also noted that they will continue investing in Dan Murphy's to restore its price leadership, while accelerating hotel renewals and electronic gaming machine (EGM) replacements. We decrease FY26-28F underlying EBIT by between 0-1%. Our target price falls to $3.65 (from $3.70) and we retain our HOLD rating.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Finally, Rio Tinto shares are fairly valued according to Morgans following a recent pullback.

This has seen the broker put a hold rating and $147.00 price target on the mining giant's shares. While it is a fan of the company, it just isn't cheap enough to call it a buy yet. It explains:

We upgrade RIO from TRIM to HOLD with a revised target price of A$147 (prior A$146). The recent share price pullback closes the valuation stretch, while a lift in our medium-term iron ore assumption from US$80/t to US$85/t provides a firmer earnings floor. RIO remains a top-tier diversified miner. Not cheap enough for a BUY, but the pullback removes the overshoot that justified TRIM. Iron ore earnings platform, copper and aluminium leverage, and lithium optionality, RIO represents an attractive mix with good execution in the Pilbara and Oyu Tolgoi.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Coles, Endeavour, and Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Not just the size of the yield, but how sustainable it is.

In my experience, the best income stocks are those backed by strong cash flow, essential services, and business models that can withstand different economic environments.

With that in mind, here are three ASX dividend shares I would be comfortable buying with $10,000.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is one of the more straightforward income ideas on the ASX.

It operates critical telecommunications infrastructure that Australians rely on every day. That gives it a level of earnings visibility that many companies could only dream about.

What I like is that the business continues to generate solid cash flow while improving efficiency.

In its recent half-year update, Telstra highlighted ongoing earnings growth supported by cost control and operational discipline, alongside continued strength in its mobile division.

The company is also targeting sustainable growth in cash earnings over time, which supports its ability to maintain and gradually grow its dividend. And given recent mobile pricing increases, I believe it is placed to deliver on this.

For me, Telstra offers a combination of stability and income that is hard to ignore.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group is another name that stands out to me for income investors.

It owns and operates energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and electricity transmission networks. These are long-life assets that generate relatively predictable cash flows.

In its latest half-year result, APA delivered growth in earnings, with underlying EBITDA increasing 7.6% and distributions rising 1.9%. That sort of consistency is what I look for.

It may not be a fast-growing company, but that is not the goal here.

For income-focused investors, I think APA offers dependable returns backed by essential infrastructure.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles brings a different type of defensive income.

As one of Australia's major supermarket operators, it generates earnings from everyday spending. People continue to buy groceries regardless of what is happening in the economy, which helps support stable revenue.

The company's latest half-year result showed continued sales growth and strong earnings momentum, supported by execution and operational improvements. It also declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share, reinforcing its role as an income stock.

What I like about Coles right now is its balance. It provides income, but it also has opportunities to improve margins and grow earnings over time through automation and digital investment.

That combination could be attractive for long-term investors.

Foolish Takeaway

I don't think dividend investing should be about chasing the highest yield available. For me, it is about finding businesses that can keep paying and, ideally, keep growing those payments over time.

Together, I think Telstra, APA Group, and Coles are the types of ASX dividend shares that can form a solid foundation for a long-term income portfolio.

The post The reliable ASX dividend shares I'd buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Defensive shares are typically in established, mature companies that tend to maintain consistent profits and dividends regardless of the broader economic climate. 

These companies usually operate in non-discretionary sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities. 

These companies provide essential goods and services that everyday consumers need, regardless of economic conditions. 

Defensive companies often return a significant portion of their profits to shareholders via dividends.

The ASX 200 dropped nearly 8% in the month of March, as investor sentiment dipped as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Let's see if these defensive shares lived up to their name. 

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

As Australia's two largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths shares are often categorised as defensive options. 

The ACCC estimates these two companies account for a combined 67% of supermarket grocery sales nationally. 

Despite high inflation and interest rate rises, Aussies still rely on these companies for groceries and essential household items. 

During the month of March, Coles shares lived up to their reputation as a defensive stock, rising roughly 3%. 

If you include the start of April, Coles shares are up 6% since March 2. 

Meanwhile, Woolworths shares stayed relatively flat during the March, rising just under 1%. 

Both fared significantly better compared to the 8% fall for the ASX 200. 

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is Australia's largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services.

It is considered a defensive stock thanks to its market share and because its business is built around essential, recurring mobile and internet services that people keep paying for even during economic downturns.

It also has a strong dividend payment history. 

During March, it certainly provided relief for investors, as it rose almost 2%. 

Despite being up more than 11% so far in 2026, it is still generating positive outlooks from brokers. 

Macquarie recently retained their outperform rating on this telco giant's shares with an improved price target of $5.64.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of the world's largest toll-road operators, managing and developing urban toll-road networks in Australia and North America. 

The company develops, operates, maintains and finances toll-road networks. 

It is widely seen as a defensive ASX stock because it owns and operates toll roads that generate stable, long-term, and relatively predictable cash flows. 

Despite this reputation, it did fall more than 3% during the month of March. 

However, this was significantly better than the broader ASX 200 index. 

The post How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Trump's declaration that the war with Iran would go on for another "two to three weeks" was enough to start the selling. By the time the markets closed up for the Easter break, the ASX 200 had slumped by a nasty 1.06%. That fall leaves the index at 8,579.5 points as we head into the long weekend.

This volatile session for Australian investors follows a far more optimistic morning up on the American markets (let's see what happens tomorrow over there).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a comfortable time of it, rising by 0.48%.

Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining 1.16%.

But let's return to the local markets now and check out how the various ASX sectors dealt with today's whipsawing trading conditions.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's my view that ASX investors who are looking to brace their portfolios against further geopolitical or economic shocks should resist the siren's song of buying energy shares, oil ETFs or other short-term bets.

Instead, those investors should consider which companies are best placed to protect their earnings bases amid the significant challenges that the world is currently throwing their way.

It's my view that consumer staples stocks are a sector that is best positioned to protect investor capital amid high levels of uncertainty. Consumer staples stocks are companies that produce or sell goods that we tend to need to buy regularly. That includes food, drinks and household essentials, as well as alcohol and tobacco. Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) are all prominent examples on the ASX.

However, I think an ASX ETF is a better option than a single ASX stock in terms of protecting a portfolio against uncertainty. That's why I think the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI) is a perfect fund for an uncertain 2026.

Why this ASX ETF is an antidote for uncertainty

As the name implies, this ASX ETF holds a basket of global consumer staples stocks. These range from food and drink producers like Coca-Cola Co, Nestle and Cadbury-owner Mondelez International and makers of household essentials like Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble to staples retailers and grocers like Walmart, Costco Wholesale and Kroger. Even our own Woolworths and Coles feature as holdings.

It's my view that these sorts of companies can ride out economic shocks and inflation better than any other sector. We all need to buy food and household essentials on a regular basis. That means that, although painful to consumers, these companies can effectively pass on higher costs without the threat of significant sales losses.

Even if consumers switch en masse from expensive branded products to cheaper home-brand options, this ASX ETF holds a mix of companies with strong brands (Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola) and supermarket stores, mitigating this potential trend.

IXI's holdings are also spread across many different markets, also lowering geographic and currency risk to the ASX investor.

Pulling all of these factors together, and I think we have an ASX ETF that is a perfect investment for the uncertain world we find ourselves in in 2026.

The post This ASX ETF is perfect for an uncertain world appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Is it bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let's find out:

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The team at Morgans believes that this supermarket giant could be worth considering following recent share price weakness.

Although its half-year result was a touch softer than it was expecting, the broker has put an accumulate rating and $22.90 price target on Coles' shares. It said:

While COL's 1H26 result was slightly softer than expected, execution remains strong in the core Supermarkets division. […] Despite the slight downgrade to earnings, our target price remains unchanged at $22.90 due to a roll-forward of our valuation to FY27 forecasts. With a 12-month forecast TSR of 15%, we upgrade our rating to ACCUMULATE (from HOLD).

In our view, COL continues to perform well with key Supermarkets metrics such as customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution remaining solid. We hence view the recent share price pullback as an attractive entry point.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX 200 share that Morgans has been looking at is gaming technology company Light & Wonder.

The broker has been pleased with the company's performance and believes it is well-placed to build on this. Morgans recently put a buy rating and $195.00 price target on its shares.

It named four reasons why it thinks investors should snap up Light & Wonder's shares. They are:

In our view, LNW trades on an undemanding valuation given: (1) supportive NA EGM demand; (2) litigation overhang behind it; (3) a balance sheet set to de-lever through 2026 (MorgansF: ~2.9x); and (4) Grover providing a high-return, recurring revenue vertical growing ahead of expectations. We upgrade to BUY, however lower our price target to A$195 (previously A$200).

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

Finally, the broker notes that this telco delivered a full-year result in line with expectations.

It was particularly pleased with TPG Telecom's subscriber growth after a period of underperformance. It has put an accumulate rating and $4.40 price target on its shares. It said:

TPG's FY25 result was in line with guidance and consensus expectations, as was its underlying EBITDA and capex guidance for FY26. The highlight was continued strong mobile subscriber growth. For many years TPG/Vodafone has struggled to grow mobile market share. However, over the course of 1HCY25 and 2HCY25 it has ignited growth and outpaced peers in terms of mobile subscriber growth.

Its network quality and brands are resonating with consumers and medium-term mobile growth could soon become a trend. We make non-material underlying forecast changes. Our target price lifts to $4.40 from $4.20 and we retain our Accumulate recommendation.

The post Should you buy Coles, Light & Wonder, and TPG Telecom shares in April? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recovered 1.8% yesterday, however it remains down 7% in the past month. 

Ongoing conflict has put pressure broadly on most ASX sectors outside of energy shares.

As a quick refresher, defensive stocks are established, mature companies that tend to maintain consistent profits and dividends regardless of the broader economic climate.

With markets experiencing serious volatility since the beginning of the conflict between Iran, Israel and the US, here are some defensive shares that have offered some relief. 

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

As half of Australia's supermarket duopoly, Woolworths has an estimated 37 percent share of Australia's grocery market. 

It operates in the consumer staples sector, supplying essential goods like groceries and household items that people need regardless of economic conditions. 

Even during downturns, consumers may cut discretionary spending but still need to buy food and everyday necessities, which helps Woolworths maintain relatively stable revenue and cash flow.

Since the end of February, Woolworths shares have essentially held flat. 

While investors are always looking for capital gain, compared to the broader market sell-offs, Woolworths shares have held strong. 

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Unsurprisingly, Woolworths' heated rival Coles has also held up over the last month for the same reasons. 

At the time of writing, Coles shares are actually up 5% since the end of February. 

It also has a strong history of solid dividends, which can also provide cash flow during periods of volatility. 

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

As Australia's largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services, Telstra has also held up during recent sell-offs. 

It is a defensive stock because it provides mobile, internet, and connectivity that customers continue paying for regardless of economic conditions.

Its recurring subscription-based revenue and large, established customer base help deliver relatively stable cash flows and dividends even during market downturns.

Since the end of February it has risen roughly 3%. 

APA Group (ASX: APA)

Finally, APA Group shares have also provided relief for investors over the past few weeks. 

The company is a major owner and operator of Australia's gas distribution network, including pipelines, gas-fired power stations, and storage facilities. It currently transports more than half the natural gas used in Australia.

It is another example of a defensive option as much of its income is backed by long-term agreements and often linked to inflation, providing reliable cash flow and reducing earnings volatility even during downturns.

Since late February, it has risen roughly 5%. 

The post Which defensive ASX shares are outperforming right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The kind with reliable cash flow, strong market positions, and services people continue to use regardless of what's happening in the economy.

That said, here are three ASX 200 dividend stocks that I think fit that description.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is about as close as you get to everyday reliability.

Supermarkets sit at the centre of household spending. People don't stop buying groceries when conditions get tougher, which gives Coles a steady and defensive stream of revenue.

What I like is how that translates into cash flow and supports its ability to pay dividends year after year, even when other sectors are under pressure. This was evident during the COVID pandemic when many ASX 200 dividend stocks paused their payouts but Coles continued as normal.

It's not a high-growth business, but that's not really the goal here. It's about dependability.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group offers a different type of stability. It owns and operates energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines and energy assets that are critical to Australia's energy system.

A large portion of its revenue is contracted or regulated, which provides visibility over future cash flows.

That's important for income investors. Because when you have predictable earnings, it becomes much easier to support consistent distributions over time.

Another positive is that its dividend yield is traditionally higher than average. This is the case right now, with the ASX 200 dividend stock guiding to a 58 cents per share distribution. At the current share price, APA offers a forward yield of 6%.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra Group rounds out the list with a mix of infrastructure and recurring revenue.

Its telecommunications network underpins how Australians connect, work, and consume data. That creates a steady demand base, which in turn supports cash generation.

Telstra has also spent the past few years simplifying its business and focusing on returns, which has helped stabilise its dividend profile.

It may not offer the highest dividend yield on the market, but I think its reliability makes it a strong option for income-focused investors.

Foolish takeaway

Coles, APA Group, and Telstra share a common theme. They provide essential services and generate relatively stable cash flow.

For investors looking to build a more defensive income stream, I think these types of businesses are worth serious consideration as part of a broader portfolio.

The post 3 of the safest ASX 200 dividend stocks in Australia appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX is known for having a relatively high dividend payout ratio, partially because companies want to unlock some of the franking credits for shareholders. The higher payout of franking credits also means a larger cash payout too.

Which businesses are providing a good and growing cash payout? These two are among my favourites.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is an impressive supermarket business with a large national store network and a significant supply chain. It's those two elements that give the business a competitive advantage over most other supermarket businesses across the country.

Another advantage that Coles has over smaller competitors is that it offers a wide range of own-brand and exclusive products, as well as a significant e-commerce offering.

A growing Australian population is a useful tailwind for Australian stocks' earnings, while high-tech new warehouses will improve margins due to efficiencies and stock flow, as well as providing a greater online offering.

In terms of the dividend, Coles has been consistently growing its annual payout each year since 2019 when it first started paying a dividend to shareholders following the demerger from Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

In the FY26 half-year result, Coles reported that its underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) grew by 12.5% and the interim dividend was hiked 10.8% to 41 cents per share.

The forecast on Commsec suggests the business could pay an annual dividend per share of 76.6 cents in FY26. That suggests a possible grossed-up dividend yield of 5%, including franking credits, for FY26.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store is a leading ASX retail share that sells to younger, fashion-focused shoppers. Its two main brands are Universal Store and Perfect Stranger, which are driving very impressive progress for the business.

Its apparel offering is clearly resonating with customers because growth remains strong and in double-digit territory. In the first half of FY26, it reported that total revenue increased by 14.2% and underlying net profit grew by 22%.

The good profit growth enabled the Australian stock to hike its interim dividend by 18.1% to 26 cents per share.

I'm expecting the company's net profit could continue rising thanks to a growing store network, rising profit margins and solid like-for-like sales growth from its existing store network.

The second half of FY26 started strongly, with sales growth of 13.5% year-over-year. I think this bodes well for dividend growth for the rest of FY26.

The projection on Commsec suggests that the business could pay an annual dividend per share of 40.6 cents per share in FY26, translating into a possible grossed-up dividend yield of 7.3%, including franking credits.

The post Grow your dividends alongside your job earnings with these Australian stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Right now, there are a few recognisable names are sitting on dividend yields well north of 3%. Let's take a look at three of them to kick off the week's trading.

Three ASX dividend shares offering yield over 3% today

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is a stock that will inevitably come up in most dividend discussions on the ASX. This company is bound to come up in any serious conversation about ASX income investing. Australia's dominant telco has long enjoyed a wide economic moat, built on its vast and formidable network infrastructure that underpins both mobile and fixed-line services. That structural advantage has translated into decades of relatively dependable dividends for shareholders.

At the time of writing, Telstra shares were trading at $5.29, putting the stock on a trailing dividend yield of 3.78%. The telco has lifted its annual dividend every year since 2021, which speaks to the underlying resilience of the business. There is one wrinkle worth noting though. Telstra's most recent interim dividend came only partially franked at 90.5%, ending a near-30-year streak of full franking credits. Whether that becomes the new normal is something to watch carefully.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Our next ASX dividend share worth checking out is Coles Group. Coles is a business that sells Australians the food and everyday essentials they need, regardless of what the economy is doing. Recessions come and go. Interest rates rise and fall. But Australians will always need groceries, and Coles' vast national supermarket network ensures it captures a substantial share of those dollars year in, year out. This inherent defensiveness makes Coles a strong contender for a dividend income portfolio.

The company recently reported earnings growth of more than 10% for its latest half, which is a reassuring sign that the dividend is well-supported. At the time of writing, Coles shares are trading at $21.62 apiece. That gives this grocer a trailing fully-franked yield of 3.38%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Last but certainly not least, we have BHP. At the time of writing, BHP shares are trading at $46.84. At this pricing, the 'Big Australian' is sitting on a trailing yield of 4.18%. Now, BHP is a different beast to Telstra and Coles when it comes to dividends. BHP's payouts are tied to commodity prices, particularly iron ore and copper. Those prices can swing dramatically from month to month.

But for investors who understand and accept that cyclicality, BHP offers something genuinely compelling. The scale, the balance sheet strength, and the long-term commodity tailwinds around copper amid the global energy transition all give me confidence that BHP can keep the income flowing for years to come. It's not a set-and-forget ASX dividend share in the same way as Coles or Telstra. However, at this 4%-plus yield, BHP is arguably hard to look past.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares with yields over 3% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.