It's often assumed that because these companies are well-established, there is limited upside. 

However, here are some blue-chip stocks that have recently received price targets from brokers indicating upside of 20% or more. 

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

With oil prices skyrocketing and geopolitical tension impacting global travel, Qantas shares have faced some volatility recently. 

The company noted that it is facing uncertainty due to Middle East tensions and rising jet fuel refining margins. 

However, it has hedged crude oil exposure and remains confident in fuel supply through April and May. 

Strong international demand – especially to Europe – has led the airline to redeploy aircraft and cut domestic capacity, with higher airfares expected to lift unit revenue by about 5% in the second half of FY26.

These headwinds have pushed its stock price down by 12% year to date. 

In good news for prospective buyers, the Qantas share price could now be a significant value. 

Macquarie recently placed a $11 price target on the airline's shares, which would be a 20% rise from the share price at the time of writing. 

As a bonus, experts are tipping a healthy dividend yield for the ASX 200 company throughout the next few years. 

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Like many ASX 200 healthcare shares, the Telix stock price has fallen heavily in the last 12 months. 

However, the commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company has rebounded significantly over the past month. 

Brokers believe this could be the start of a longer rally. 

Recently, Bell Potter placed a buy rating and $19 price target on Telix shares after the company announced the refinancing of its convertible note facility. 

The share price at the time of writing is hovering around $14.59, which indicates an upside potential of 30%. 

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Despite now climbing 26% over the last 6 days at the time of writing, the Life360 share price remains significantly below its yearly highs. 

The company's core product is a private family and friends social networking app that allows users to communicate and share their locations.

At the time of writing, this ASX 200 stock is exchanging hands for $22.72 per share. 

However, this is significantly below the $36.02 average price targets of 10 analysts via TradingView. 

Should this ASX 200 stock reach that level in the next 12 months, it would be a 58% rise from current levels. 

The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to rise 20% or more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Analysts have tried to make the investment job easier by calling out undervalued stocks that could be good buys.

We're going to look at two ASX shares that have received multiple positive ratings.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

AMP is a diversified financial business that has various offerings including financial advice and banking (such as loans and savings accounts).

The ASX financial share recently announced how it performed in the first three months of 2026, being the first quarter of FY26. There were a number of pleasing elements to the update.

Platforms' net cash flows increased 45% to $1.1 billion, and superannuation and investments net cash outflows improved 26% to $80 million. Wealth management net cash flows in New Zealand were a positive $41 million.

China Life Pension Company (CLPC) saw assets under management (AUM) improved 17% to around $515 billion.

AMP Bank's loan book remained steady at $24.1 billion as it balanced its margins and market share. It also reported that its AMP Bank GO deposits grew by $632 million quarter on quarter to $942 million. FY26 AMP Bank GO deposits are now expected to exceed $1.5 billion.

According to CMC Invest, there have been eight ratings on the ASX share recently, with all eight of those being a buy.

The average price target of those ratings was $1.72. That implies a possible rise of around 20% within the next year from where it is at the time of writing.

According to the forecast on CMC Invest, the AMP share price is valued at 13x FY16's estimated earnings.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas is Australia's largest airline and it's currently dealing with significant uncertainty amid events in the Middle East.

The airline recently said to that ASX that while it has hedged most of its exposure to crude oil, it is largely exposed to the movement in jet refining margins, which have increased from US$20 per barrel to a peak of around US$120 per barrel.

But, it says that it has confidence in fuel supply for the rest of April and well into May.

Thankfully, the airline is still seeing strong demand for international travel to Europe as customers look for alternative routes, so the ASX share has redeployed planes from the US and its domestic network.

The ASX share has decided to reduce domestic capacity in the fourth quarter of FY26 by around five percentage points to compensate.

The airline said it expects its unit revenue (RASK) to increase by 5% in the second half of FY26. In other words, airfares should help offset some of the fuel pain.

According to CMC Invest, there have been 10 recent ratings on the airline, with all of them being a buy. The average price target is $11.10, suggesting a possible rise of around 20% from where it is at the time of writing.

According to the profit projection on CMC Invest, it's valued at around 10x FY26's estimated earnings.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $30.00 price target on this investment platform provider's shares. Bell Potter notes that Netwealth released its quarterly update this week and delivered funds under administration (FUA) that fell a touch short of expectations. However, this FUA miss was due to a $3.7 billion negative market movement. The good news is that with markets rebounding in April, Bell Potter believes that most of this miss has now been reversed. Outside this, the broker highlights that Netwealth shares have de-rated to trade on 28x forward EBITDA. This compares to 33x through-the-cycle. Bell Potter believes there is scope for a re-rating in the future, which could make now a good time to buy. The Netwealth share price ended the week at $25.42.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

A note out of the Macquarie equities desk reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this airline operator's shares with a slightly reduced price target of $11.00. This follows the release of a market update from Qantas which revealed higher fuel costs compared to previous expectations. However, Macquarie was pleased to see that Qantas' yields have improved, which has underpinned international and domestic revenue growth ahead of estimates. In addition, it thinks Qantas is well-placed to adapt to challenges from the war in the Middle East through its accelerated fleet retirement. The Qantas share price was fetching $9.08 at Friday's close.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Analysts at Ord Minnett have retained their buy rating on this sleep disorder treatment company's shares with a trimmed price target of $41.40. According to the note, the broker is forecasting ResMed to deliver double-digit earnings and revenue growth in FY 2026. The good news is that it then expects this trend to continue through to at least FY 2028. Ord Minnett believes this will leave ResMed with a significant cash balance, which could lead to further capital management initiatives. Overall, it feels this makes the company's shares a top option for investors after recent weakness. The ResMed share price ended the week at $31.52.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The impacts of the Middle East conflict have been wide-reaching, with fuel costs being the most obvious effect.

Qantas is a major fuel user, and it's understandable why the market is feeling cautious on the airline. Let's get into the positives and negatives I'm seeing.

Negatives

Let's get the bad news out of the way first.

It's hard to say how long the events in the Middle East will affect fuel costs. Even with a complete truce, it could still take some time for fuel access and availability to return to 'normal', whatever the new normal looks like.

There's also a question in my mind of how travel demand will hold up during this period, which is a key element of keeping Qantas planes (fairly) full at the prices it's charging.

The uncertainty appears to have led the leadership to at least delay the $150 million share buyback, which means a delay to shareholders receiving that benefit.

The final negative I'll point out is that inflation could become more widespread than just fuel, which could increase the airline's other costs.

Positives

For investors considering an investment in Qantas, the value is materially more attractive. At the time of writing, it's 8% cheaper than it was at the end of February 2026. It's not as cheap as it was in March, but that's still a sizeable discount.

I'd rather invest in Qantas shares when they're cheaper rather than when the share price is higher.

Another positive is that the business said it has hedged approximately 90% of its FY26 second-half exposure to crude oil, though it is still exposed to movements in the jet refining margin.

Qantas said that it's still seeing strong demand for international travel to Europe, so it has redeployed capacity from the US and its domestic network to increase flights to Paris and Rome.

It has also reduced its domestic capacity in the fourth quarter of FY26 by around 5 percentage points.

The airline is also expecting its domestic and international revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) to grow by approximately 5% in the second half of FY26, which should help offset the cost growth, assuming travel demand remains strong.

According to the projection on CMC Markets, the business is currently forecast to generate earnings per share (EPS) of 93 cents, which puts the Qantas share price at around 10x FY26's estimated earnings.

I do think this is a good time to invest, the valuation is lower and travel demand is strong, but if it fell further, I'd say it's an even better buy.

The post The pros and cons of buying Qantas shares this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this gold miner's shares with a trimmed price target of $9.10. This follows the release of the company's third-quarter update, which revealed production that was a touch short of the broker's expectations. This was due to lower grades and recoveries. Nevertheless, the company remains on track to achieve the mid-point of its production guidance in FY 2026. In light of this, its quality, and attractive valuation, Macquarie thinks that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. The Genesis Minerals share price is currently trading at $6.54 on Friday.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $30.00 price target on this investment platform provider's shares. Bell Potter highlights that Netwealth released its quarterly update this week. And while its funds under administration fell short of expectations, it notes that this was just to a $3.7 billion negative market movement. The good news is that with markets rebounding in April, Bell Potter believes that most of this miss has now been reversed. Outside this, it points out that Netwealth shares have de-rated to trade on 28x forward EBITDA, compares to 33x through-the-cycle. It believes there is scope for a re-rating in the future, which could make now a good time to buy. The Netwealth share price is fetching $25.42 at the time of writing.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating on this airline operator's shares with a trimmed price target of $11.25. According to the note, the broker has adjusted its forecasts to reflect fuel price volatility. It notes that surging oil prices are expected to lead to a major increase in fuel costs in the near term, weighing on earnings in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Nevertheless, the broker remains positive, especially given how it sees opportunities for Qantas to offset some of the fuel costs increase. As a result, it continues to recommend the airline's shares as a buy to clients. The Qantas share price is trading at $9.07 today.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the Qantas share price is down 0.60% to $9.105. That leaves the stock sitting roughly 12% lower for 2026, even after bouncing from recent lows.

The move comes as fresh filings and external reporting highlight activity happening behind the scenes.

Here's what investors are looking at.

A large institutional buyer steps in

According to The Australian, AustralianSuper has been building a position in Qantas as the share price weakened through March.

Regulatory filings show the super fund has now emerged as a substantial holder, with a stake of about 5.3%. That equates to roughly $723 million at current market prices.

The buying appears to have been spread across several weeks. The largest single-day purchase was around $100 million worth of shares on 20 March.

Accumulation has continued into April, including further buying around the time Qantas flagged a material increase in fuel costs.

The purchases were made during a period of share price weakness and rising fuel cost concerns.

Buying through weakness raises interest

Qantas has been dealing with a mix of falling share prices and elevated cost pressures.

Management recently indicated that higher fuel prices could add between $500 million and $800 million to its fuel bill. The airline has also flagged capacity adjustments and pricing responses.

These factors have weighed on the share price across recent months.

Despite that, AustralianSuper has continued to build its position, pointing to a longer-term view on earnings instead of focusing on near-term cost pressure.

The fund already has exposure to airport infrastructure through IFM Investors, including stakes in Melbourne and Sydney airports.

Share price still reflects a reset year

Even with recent buying support, the share price still shows the impact of changing expectations in 2026.

After a strong run in prior periods, the stock has spent much of this year adjusting to a different operating backdrop.

Fuel costs, capacity settings, and pricing power have all come back into focus. This has changed how the market is valuing near-term earnings.

The recent lift shows buying at lower levels, though the stock is still below earlier highs.

Foolish Takeaway

I see Qantas as one of those stocks many investors end up owning over time. It is Australia's national carrier, with a position that is hard to replicate and tied closely to domestic travel demand.

People still need to fly, whether for work, family, or holidays, which underpins demand across the cycle. Earnings can move with fuel costs and economic conditions, but the core business remains well supported.

For me, it sits more as a long-term hold than a short-term trade.

The post Why a $700 million move into Qantas shares is turning heads today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this copper producer's shares with a trimmed price target of $15.40. The broker has adjusted its FY 2026 production estimates to reflect the phasing of maintenance across assets and a revised production mix between cathode and sulphide output at Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde. While this has resulted in a slightly lower valuation, the broker remains very positive. It highlights that Capstone Copper has a very strong growth outlook and looks cheap compared to peers. The Capstone Copper share price is trading at $12.85 on Wednesday afternoon.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this airline operator's shares with a trimmed price target of $11.00. This follows the release of a market update which revealed higher fuel costs compared to previous expectations. However, Macquarie was pleased to see that Qantas' yields have improved, which has led to international and domestic revenue growing more than expected. In addition, it thinks Qantas is well-placed to adapt to the war in the Middle East through its accelerated fleet retirement. The Qantas share price is fetching $9.12 at the time of writing.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and $2.60 price target on this buy now pay later provider's shares. According to the note, the broker has been looking at app data and believes it points to steady growth in downloads in March. In addition, app sessions data suggests that users are making more transactions. Citi believes this reflects the company's focus on transaction growth ahead of just new customer acquisitions. In light of this, the broker feels optimistic that Zip will release a solid quarterly update later this week. However, it will be keeping a close eye on US net bad debts. The Zip share price is trading at $1.85 on Wednesday.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the shares are trading 0.72% higher at $9.05 a piece. At one point, just after the market opened, the shares were trading as high as $9.27 each. The latest update means the shares are now down 13.8% for the year to date. However, they're still 6.1% higher over the past 12 months.

How does tight oil supply and rising prices affect Qantas?

The largest operating cost for airlines is its jet fuel, which is refined from crude oil. 

Australia imports more than 90% of its refined fuel. This means local prices closely follow global oil prices and currency movements. As a result, when oil prices rise due to tight supply or geopolitical tensions, the cost of jet fuel also jumps higher. This then means that airlines, such as Qantas, face higher operating costs which can pressure profits and potentially weigh on their share prices.

What is Qantas doing to offset higher fuel prices?

It was expected that Australian airlines could start to increase ticket prices or add fuel surcharges to help recover some costs, and this was confirmed in the airline's market update on Tuesday morning.

The company announced that jet fuel prices have more than doubled and remain highly volatile. It confirmed that its fuel costs for the second half of FY26 is now estimated to be significantly higher than prior expectations, at $3.3 billion. It had previously forecast to be around $2.2 billion. 

To offset the higher prices, Qantas will increase ticket prices and reduce domestic capacity by about 5% in May and June. The majority of cuts will be made on routes between major capital cities, where it flies larger aircraft at higher frequencies. It will also temporarily suspend some routes and indefinitely cancel all flights to and from South Mount Gambier from next month. International fares have already risen by 5%.

Are Qantas shares a buy, sell, or hold following the update?

The airline said that around 90% of its second-half fuel exposure is already hedged. Meanwhile, fare increases and route changes will also help to recover part of the pressure.

According to TradingView data, analysts are still very bullish on the outlook for Qantas shares. Out of 15 analysts, 13 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The average target price is $11.30, which implies a 25% upside at the time of writing. However, some think the shares could jump 41.6% higher to $12.80 a piece.

The post Are Qantas shares still a buy after its latest market update? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

The Clarity Pharmaceuticals share price is down almost 8% to $2.89. This follows the announcement of a commercial manufacturing agreement for 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA with Nucleus Radiopharma. It is an innovative contract development and manufacturing organisation in the radiopharmaceutical industry. Clarity's executive chair, Dr Alan Taylor, said: "Clarity is building a strong foundation with its supply and manufacturing strategy to support a large-scale commercial rollout of 64Cu-SARbisPSMA from day one, with capability to supply not only the entire existing PSMA PET market, but a larger pool of patients that could benefit from our optimised product, given the promising data we have seen in the clinic to date."

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price is down 1% to $8.93. This follows the release of a market update from the airline operator today. As was widely expected, Qantas revealed that fuel costs have risen strongly. It now expects jet fuel costs for the second half to be $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion. This is more than double previous expectations. It also advised that net debt is now expected at or above the midpoint, but within Qantas' target range. And while the $300 million interim dividend will be paid on 15 April, its $150 million buyback remains on hold.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

The Universal Store share price is down 3% to $7.20. This morning, this youth fashion retailer announced the exit of its CEO, Alice Barbery, later this year. However, Universal Store has acted fast and named George Do as her successor. Universal Store's chair, Peter Birtles, said: "On behalf of the Board and the Universal team, I would like to thank Alice for her outstanding leadership of the Company over the past 17 years. During this time, she has overseen the continued strong growth and performance of the Universal Store retail banner, the creation and successful rollout of the Perfect Stranger retail banner and the acquisition of the CTC business."

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is down 2.5% to $41.60. Investors have been selling the banking giant's shares following the release of an update on its first-half expectations. The bank advised that: "Balance sheet momentum was solid with lending and deposit growth of 4% and 3% respectively; Core NIM, excluding the timing impact of rate rises, was stable in 2Q26; Ongoing productivity initiatives supported a 2% decline in expenses; and Asset quality metrics improved and the CET1 capital ratio strengthened in 2Q26."

The post Why Clarity, Qantas, Universal Store, and Westpac shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As we head into the Tuesday lunch hour, all three of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are underperforming the current 0.4% gain posted by the benchmark index.

Here's what's happening.

Qantas shares slide on surging jet fuel costs

Qantas shares are slipping today, down 1.3% at time of writing at $8.90 each.

This follows an update this morning in which the ASX 200 airline stock warned that fast rising energy costs are going to impact its full year costs assumptions.

Indeed, since the outbreak of the Iran war, the Brent crude oil price has surged from US$71 per barrel to US$98 per barrel today. Brent crude oil traded near US$113 towards the end of March, having kicked off 2026 at just US$61 per barrel.

And that's going to have a material impact on fuel guzzling jetliners.

How much of an impact will that have on Qantas shares?

Well, enough so that the airline has more than doubled its previous expectations for second half year (H2 2026) jet fuel costs to the range of $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion.

To mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on its operations, Qantas said it is taking steps that include international network changes, capacity adjustments and fare increases.

With the current uncertainty in mind, Qantas planned $150 million on-market share buyback has not yet commenced.

Which brings us to…

Cleanaway shares slip on earnings downgrade

Cleanaway shares are also grabbing investor interest today, and for a related reason to Qantas shares.

Shares in the ASX 200 waste management and environmental services company are down 1.1% at time of writing, changing hands for $2.31 apiece.

Investors are bidding down Cleanaway shares after the company announced that it was downgrading full year FY 2026 earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance to between $460 million and $480 million. That's down from prior full year earnings guidance of $480 million to $500 million.

The reason?

You guessed it. The Iran war.

The company estimates earnings will take a full year hit of some  $20 million, catching headwinds from higher fuel prices, increased supplier and logistics costs, and lower Middle East project activity.

Westpac shares in focus amid rising inflation and interest rates

Atop Cleanaway and Qantas shares, investors are tuning into Westpac today after the ASX 200 bank stock released an update detailing items impacting its first-half 2026 (H1 2026) results.

These include, wait for it, the initial impacts of the Middle East conflict.

Westpac noted:

With the supply shock from the energy market disruption expected to result in higher inflation and higher interest rates, an expected slowing in economic growth will create a more challenging environment for some customers.

The bank said its "strong financial position" enables it to support customers during these uncertain times while accelerating the execution of its strategic priorities.

The post Why Westpac, Cleanaway and Qantas shares are catching ASX investor interest on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The airline had already been trying to stabilise after a rough few months, with the stock still down about 14% in 2026 following today's decline.

In morning trade, the Qantas share price is down a modest 0.33% to $8.98.

That puts the stock closer to the early April lows, though it still remains well below the February peak above $11.

The move comes after investors were given a clearer view of how the airline expects current global disruptions to flow through the second half.

Higher fuel costs are being offset elsewhere

The key issue in today's release was the jump in jet fuel costs.

Qantas said fuel prices have more than doubled since its half-year result in February, with the combined fuel and refining margin impact expected to add roughly $200 million to second-half FY26 costs.

Even so, the market seems comfortable with the way management has framed the offset.

The airline noted that about 90% of second-half fuel exposure is already hedged, while fare increases, route changes, and capacity adjustments are already being used to recover part of the pressure.

Demand trends also appear to still be working in its favour.

International travel into Europe remains firm, which has allowed aircraft to be shifted toward stronger-yielding routes, including Paris and Rome.

That helps explain why the group was comfortable leaving its international revenue guidance unchanged despite the cost pressure.

Capital discipline may also be helping sentiment

Another part of the update that likely supported the share price was the balance sheet.

Management said FY26 capital expenditure is now expected to come in at or below $4.1 billion, which is the bottom end of previous guidance. Net debt is also still expected to remain within its target range by year end.

The previously announced 19.8 cents per share fully-franked interim dividend is still due to be paid this week. However, the planned $150 million on-market share buyback has not yet started.

Foolish Takeaway

Today's small loss reflects growing comfort that the profit impact is being contained rather than concern over the latest update.

Fuel is still the main short-term issue, but hedging, ticket price increases, solid travel demand, and tighter spending should help support second-half earnings.

With the shares still below their February highs, the latest update may improve investor confidence if conditions stay stable.

The post Qantas shares dip after fresh market update puts FY26 in focus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Qantas Airways report?

• Jet fuel costs for 2H26 are now estimated at $3.1–3.3 billion, more than double previous expectations.
• Group International RASK (unit revenue) growth for 2H26 is forecast at 4–6%, double prior guidance.
• Group Domestic RASK growth for 2H26 expected at approximately 5%.
• FY26 capital expenditure to be at or below $4.1 billion, the bottom end of guidance.
• Net debt now expected at or above the midpoint, but within Qantas' target range by 30 June 2026.
• The $300 million interim dividend (19.8 cents per share) will be paid on 15 April 2026; $150 million buyback remains on hold.

What else do investors need to know?

Qantas has implemented a range of measures to mitigate rising fuel costs and the impact of Middle East conflict, including network changes, reduced domestic capacity in the current quarter, and fare increases. The company remains exposed to fluctuating jet refining margins, despite hedging most of its crude oil needs for the half-year.

Demand for international travel, especially to Europe, remains robust. Qantas is redeploying resources from the US and domestic operations to offer additional flights to Paris and Rome. Affected domestic customers are being offered alternative flights or refunds after a 5 percentage point reduction in 4Q26 capacity.

What's next for Qantas Airways?

Qantas will keep monitoring external conditions and holds flexibility to adjust its response to volatile fuel prices. The company says it is working closely with government and fuel suppliers to ensure fuel availability, while continuing to manage capacity and pricing in response to evolving demand.

The group will provide a formal update on its FY27 outlook once there is more certainty on geopolitical and economic developments impacting its operations.

Qantas Airways share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Qantas shares have risen 6%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Qantas Airways flags higher fuel costs and capacity changes in FY26 update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Oil and gas prices soared while gold and other metals crumbled, impacting ASX 200 shares in different ways.

Shares in the energy sector surged 18.5% while the materials sector, which includes Australia's biggest miners, crumbled 14.1%.

Amid the upheaval for share prices, brokers reviewed their ratings and 12-month targets on a bunch of ASX stocks.

Here are some of the ASX 200 shares elevated to strong buy consensus status after last month's turmoil.

7 ASX 200 shares newly elevated to strong buy ratings

These ASX shares have just been upgraded to strong buy consensus ratings on the CommSec platform.

A consensus rating represents the average rating among analysts.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The Genesis Minerals share price dropped 20.7% in March alongside a steep fall in the gold price.

So far this month, the ASX 200 gold mining share is up 10.9% to $6.53 at yesterday's close.

MA Financial is among the brokers that have upgraded Genesis Minerals to a buy rating.

The broker has lifted its 12-month price target from $8.05 to $8.40.

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

The Orica share price descended 17.9% in March.

So far this month, the ASX materials share is up 6.7% to $21.40.

Jefferies has reiterated its buy recommendation, but reduced its price target from $25.73 to $24.04.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price fell 15.9% in March.

So far in April, the ASX 200 airline share has rebounded 8.6% to $9.09.

Jefferies has reiterated its buy rating with a price target of $12.80.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The WiseTech Global share price declined 20% in March.

So far in April, the market's largest ASX 200 tech share is up just 1.6% to $38.62.

Morgan Stanley is buy-rated on Wisetech but has slashed its target from $100 to $70.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price descended 9.7% in March.

The tech share has fallen a further 2.3% in April to $73.41 at yesterday's close.

Morgan Stanley has reiterated its buy recommendation with a $130 target.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

The Yancoal share price skyrocketed 41.5% in March, as power plants switched from gas to coal.

So far this month, the ASX 200 coal share has declined 10.3%.

Huatai Securities is buy-rated on Yancoal with a $14.40 share price target.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

The CAR Group share price fell 14% in March.

In April, the ASX 200 retail share is up 2.7% to $23.41.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy recommendation last week.

However, the broker reduced its 12-month target from $38 to $32.

The post 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They are under heavy selling pressure on Wednesday morning.

At the time of writing, Santos shares are down approximately 6%, while Woodside shares have tumbled around 11%.

Why are Santos and Woodside shares under pressure?

The key driver behind the sharp declines is a sudden and significant drop in oil prices.

According to CNBC, oil prices sank after US President Donald Trump agreed to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks. This is in exchange for Tehran allowing a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately 20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait under normal conditions.

This is a major shift in sentiment and great news for the global economy. In recent weeks, oil prices had surged to US$110.00 a barrel on fears that escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies.

But that risk has now been reduced, at least in the short term.

Why this matters for Santos and Woodside

Energy producers like Santos and Woodside are highly sensitive to movements in oil prices.

When oil prices rise, their revenue and earnings expectations typically increase. But when oil prices fall sharply, the opposite happens.

The scale of the move was significant. According to CNBC:

The West Texas Intermediate contract for May delivery fell more than 16% to $94.47 per barrel [and then] International benchmark Brent for June delivery lost more than 15% to $92.21 per barrel.

A double-digit percentage decline in oil prices in a single session is a major event. It forces investors to quickly reassess the earnings outlook for oil and gas companies.

That is why both Santos and Woodside shares are being sold off heavily today.

It also explains why fuel guzzlers like Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) are roaring higher today.

A reminder of volatility

Today's moves highlight just how sensitive ASX energy shares can be to global events.

Santos and Woodside are not falling because of company-specific news. Instead, they are reacting to macroeconomic and geopolitical developments that directly impact commodity prices.

While the long-term outlook for energy demand may remain intact, short-term price swings like this can create sharp volatility in share prices.

Overall, it is a timely reminder that owning energy stocks often means riding the ups and downs of global oil markets.

The post Why are Santos and Woodside shares crashing today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Sometimes that decline is warranted. Sometimes it is an overreaction and opens up opportunities for investors willing to take a longer-term view.

Right now, there are a number of ASX 200 shares trading well below their recent highs. Here are three that I think are worth considering.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas has pulled back around 32% from its 52-week high, and I think that is starting to look very interesting.

Airlines are never simple investments. Fuel costs, economic conditions, and operational risks can all impact earnings quickly. With oil prices recently pushing above US$100 per barrel, it is easy to see why sentiment has softened.

But when I step back, I still see an ASX 200 share that is structurally stronger than it was a few years ago.

Qantas operates in a relatively rational domestic market, supported by a duopoly structure. Its loyalty division continues to provide a high-margin earnings stream, and the ongoing fleet renewal program should help improve efficiency over time.

To me, this looks like a case where short-term concerns are weighing on a business that still has a solid long-term foundation.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is down roughly 40% from its high, and that volatility is not unusual for a company of its size and growth profile.

What stands out to me with DroneShield is the underlying theme. The use of drones in both military and civilian settings is expanding rapidly. With that comes a growing need for counter-drone technology, which is exactly where DroneShield is focused.

This is a market that is still evolving, but I think the direction is clear.

Governments and organisations are increasing their focus on security, surveillance, and defence capabilities. Technologies that can detect and respond to drone activity are becoming more important.

There will likely be ups and downs along the way, particularly as contracts and funding cycles play out. But over a longer period, I think the opportunity set remains compelling.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Lastly, Cochlear has fallen around 45% from its highs, which is a significant move for a company that has historically been viewed as a high-quality defensive growth business.

The recent weakness reflects a combination of factors, including softer earnings and broader market pressure on healthcare stocks.

But I do not think the core story has changed.

Cochlear operates in a specialised area of medical technology with high barriers to entry. Its products address a critical need, and demand is supported by long-term trends such as ageing populations and increased awareness of hearing health.

What I like is the combination of innovation and global reach. This is an ASX 200 share that continues to invest in new products and expand its footprint internationally. That gives it the potential to grow over time, even if the path is not always smooth.

Foolish takeaway

Not every share that falls 30% or more is a buying opportunity. But I think it is worth paying attention when established businesses and emerging growth companies are trading well below their recent highs.

Qantas, DroneShield, and Cochlear are very different businesses, each with their own risks and drivers. What they have in common is that sentiment has weakened, while their long-term potential still appears intact. For me, that is often where the most interesting opportunities start to appear.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares down at least 30% to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising today despite the market decline are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP)

The Greatland Resources share price is up 5% to $13.66. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Citi this morning. According to the note, in response to positive drilling results, the broker has upgraded the gold miner's shares to a buy rating (from neutral) with an improved price target of $16.00 (from $15.30). This implies potential upside of 17% for investors even after today's strong gain.

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is up 3.5% to $164.14. This has been driven by a decent rise in the gold price overnight after the US dollar softened. It isn't just Newmont shares that are rising on Thursday. Most ASX gold stocks are rising today, which has led to the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index outperforming with a 1.3% gain at the time of writing.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up over 2% to $22.60. This morning, this gold miner released a production update and announced an on-market share buyback. Northern Star revealed that preliminary gold sales for the March quarter totalled 381,000 ounces. It also advised that it is not currently experiencing any supply issues with diesel fuel. However, it concedes that this remains a focus for the business and a key risk for the broader mining industry in Australia. With respect to the share buyback, the company plans to buy back up to $500 million of its shares as part of a proactive capital management strategy. Northern Star's managing director, Stuart Tonkin, said: "Today's announcement reflects our confidence in the strength of our business, the structural uplift in cash generation expected from the commissioning of the KCGM Mill Expansion and the compelling value we see in our share price."

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas Airways share price is up over 1% to $8.76. This appears to have been driven by optimism that the war in the Middle East could soon come to an end and oil prices could be heading lower. Fuel costs are a major expense for Qantas, so higher oil prices can impact profitability.

The post Why Greatland Resources, Newmont, Northern Star, and Qantas shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline stock closed out February trading for $9.95. When the opening bell sounded on 31 March, shares were swapping hands for $8.37 apiece.

This saw Qantas shares down 15.9% over the month just past, or more than twice as much as the 7.8% loss posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

Though it's worth noting that Qantas traded ex-dividend on 10 March. Investors who owned the stock at market close on 9 March can expect to receive the 100% franked 19.8 cent per share dividend on 15 April.

If we add that dividend payment back in, then the ASX 200 airline stock sank a modestly less 13.9% in March.

Here's what's been pressuring the flying kangaroo.

What sent Qantas shares into a tailspin?

Turning directly to the elephant in the room, the biggest tailwind pressuring Qantas shares last month was the outbreak of the Iran war at the end of February.

That's causing two separate difficulties for the airline.

First, the Middle East conflict could disrupt international travel destinations and see travellers delay their business or holiday flights.

Second, the conflict in the oil-rich Middle East and the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route sent the oil price rocketing in March.

Here's what I mean.

On 27 February, Brent crude oil was trading for US$72.50 per barrel. By 31 March, a barrel of Brent crude oil was trading for US$107.50, up more than 48% over the month.

And any sustained major increase in the oil price could have a material impact on Qantas shares.

Indeed, on 26 February, Qantas forecast fuel costs for H2 FY 2026 would be around $2.5 billion, inclusive of hedging and carbon costs.

But with the Iran war sending global oil prices surging, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) analyst Ian Myles said Qantas' overall costs could increase by $250 million over two to three months.

And the ASX 200 airline's former chief economist, Tony Webber, said that if the Middle East conflict dragged on, it could see Qantas earnings fall by more than 50%.

According to Webber, a prolonged war could see some major changes in the company's flight operations. He noted:

They will cut capacity most on longer sectors where fuel costs are a higher percentage of total costs and where reducing capacity provides the strongest fare response, usually routes with more business and fewer leisure travellers.

Following the March carnage, Qantas shares are now down 4.3% since this time last year, not including dividends.

The post Why Qantas shares nosedived 16% in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The challenge is that there are so many ASX income shares to pick from.

But don't worry because right now, there are three ASX shares that stand out to me. Here's why I'd buy them if I were building an income portfolio.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour Group is one name I think flies under the radar a bit when it comes to income investing.

At its core, this is a business built around liquor retail and hospitality. These are not high-growth areas, but in my view, they can be relatively resilient.

People tend to keep spending on everyday indulgences even when economic conditions are less certain. That gives Endeavour a fairly steady revenue base, supported by well-known brands (BWS and Dan Murphy's) and a large national footprint.

What I find appealing from an income perspective is the consistency. The company generates solid cash flow, which supports its ability to pay dividends.

While it is currently going through a strategy reset, I think the early progress has been positive.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

If I am looking for income, it is hard to ignore infrastructure.

APA Group owns and operates a large portfolio of energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and renewable energy assets across Australia.

What I like about this type of business is the predictability. A significant portion of APA's earnings is linked to long-term contracts, which can provide stable and visible cash flows. That is exactly what I want to see from an income investment.

It also has a long history of paying growing distributions, which I think adds to its appeal for income investors.

Of course, infrastructure businesses are not without risks, particularly when it comes to interest rates and regulation. But overall, I see APA as a relatively defensive ASX income stock.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas might not be the first name that comes to mind for income. 

Airlines are typically seen as cyclical businesses. Earnings can fluctuate based on demand, fuel costs, and broader economic conditions.

But I think Qantas is different after emerging from recent years in a structurally stronger position, with a lower cost base, a more efficient fleet, and improved capacity discipline.

The company is now generating strong earnings and cash flow from its operations, which I believe gives it the potential to return meaningful capital to shareholders over time.

While a recent surge in oil prices could weigh on profitability in the immediate term, I'm optimistic that this is a short term headwind and oil prices will trend lower in the second half of the year.

Foolish takeaway

Income investing does not have to mean sacrificing quality or growth.

For me, Endeavour Group offers steady, consumer-driven cash flow, APA Group provides infrastructure-backed income, and Qantas brings structurally stronger earnings and dividend potential.

Each plays a different role, but together they highlight the range of income opportunities available on the ASX.

The post Why I'd buy these 3 ASX income shares this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which ones?

Three that I rate as buys for smart investors are named below.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Airlines aren't usually thought of as long-term growth plays, but Qantas is far from typical. I like the way it's reinvesting earnings into the fleet, which is driving efficiency, lowering maintenance costs, and opening up new long-range routes.

The airline delivered 9 new aircraft during the first half and is accelerating deliveries, with 30 more expected over the next 18 months.

That matters because capital-intensive industries like airlines often separate winners from average operators through asset quality and operational flexibility. Qantas' newer aircraft are cheaper to run and allow it to compete more effectively domestically and internationally.

The company also operates in a relatively rational market. Alongside Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN), Qantas benefits from a duopoly that supports healthier margins than in oversaturated global markets.

Domestic operations delivered $1.05 billion in underlying EBIT in the first half, up 14%, while its Loyalty division contributed $286 million, up 12%. Combined with the strong-performing Jetstar business, these give Qantas a strong foundation for sustainable profits.

Recent share price weakness has been influenced by surging oil prices, which are now around US$100 per barrel amid conflict in the Middle East. But I see this pullback as an opportunity rather than a red flag.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is my quality pick. It's a diversified industrial group with solid operations across Bunnings, Kmart, WesCEF, and other subsidiaries. Its half-year results last month showed profit growth of over 9%, supported by strong sales and productivity improvements.

Bunnings continues to perform well despite subdued residential construction, and Kmart's everyday low-price model gives it a structural advantage. Meanwhile, WesCEF's lithium contribution is increasingly relevant as energy markets shift toward electrification.

I like businesses that can grow profit across different economic conditions, and Wesfarmers does exactly that.

For a $10,000 investment, it offers a combination of stability, quality, and optionality that complements more cyclical or high-growth investments.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is a standout ASX 200 blue-chip share in healthcare. The medical device company addresses obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition affecting over a billion people globally, yet remains underpenetrated in many regions. That structural tailwind is enormous and long term.

Financially, ResMed is strong. Revenue for the December quarter hit US$1.4 billion, up 11% year on year, with gross margins expanding to 61.8%, and operating income up 18%.

The balance sheet is healthy, with US$715 million in net cash, providing flexibility for R&D, acquisitions, dividends, and buybacks.

What sets ResMed apart for me is its ecosystem approach. It's not just a device maker, it's a connected health platform. With tens of millions of patients linked to its cloud systems, ResMed benefits from data-driven network effects and switching costs.

Furthermore, innovation continues with new product rollouts and AI-enabled features like Smart Comfort, further strengthening the company's competitive moat.

Foolish Takeaway

With $10,000 to invest, I'd spread it across these three ASX 200 blue-chip shares to balance quality, growth, and structural advantages. 

Qantas offers cyclical exposure with a strong domestic franchise and long-term fleet upgrades. Wesfarmers provides stability, dividends, and optionality across diverse industrial businesses. ResMed gives exposure to a high-margin, underpenetrated global healthcare opportunity with structural tailwinds.

The post I think smart investors should buy these ASX 200 blue-chip shares with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The drop adds to a difficult stretch for the airline, with shares now down around 20% over the past month. Rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict have been a key driver behind the decline.

Today's move comes alongside fresh reporting that highlights how Qantas is adjusting its operations to manage those cost pressures.

Fleet changes point to cost focus

According to The Australian, Qantas has been replacing hundreds of flights with smaller aircraft to reduce fuel use.

The changes involve using fewer large Airbus A330 aircraft, particularly on domestic routes, while smaller, more fuel efficient Boeing 737 jets handle more flights.

On key routes such as Melbourne to Perth, the use of A330's has dropped, while overall widebody flying has also declined.

This reflects a broader push to better match capacity with demand. It also helps limit fuel use, which remains one of the airline's largest operating costs.

Fuel pressure reshaping decisions

Fuel costs have become a central issue for airlines in recent weeks.

Tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher, lifting costs across the aviation sector. There have been no confirmed supply disruptions, but prices have risen due to increased risk.

In response, airlines are focusing on efficiency measures rather than passing on higher costs to consumers.

The report highlights that newer aircraft are being prioritised due to better fuel efficiency, while older and larger planes are being used less frequently.

There are also operational adjustments taking place behind the scenes at Qantas. These include reducing excess fuel loads, optimising flight planning, and limiting ground delays where possible to avoid unnecessary fuel burn.

Limited impact on profit outlook

Despite these changes, the financial impact may be manageable.

Analysis referenced in the report suggests the effect on Qantas' 2026 profitability could be in the range of around 10% to 15%, assuming current conditions persist.

At the same time, capacity adjustments and potential fare increases may help ease part of the pressure. Higher revenue per seat kilometre has already been flagged as one way the airline can help manage the impact.

Foolish takeaway

The recent share price decline reflects a mix of rising costs and uncertainty around how long those pressures will last.

Qantas is responding by adjusting capacity, improving efficiency, and shifting its fleet mix. These steps may help manage costs, but the business remains exposed to movements in fuel prices.

The past month highlights how sensitive earnings are to changes in input costs, even as management works to limit the impact.

The post Qantas shares extend losses as fuel costs reshape operations appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.