Market selloffs can test even the most seasoned investors — but for those focused on income, they often present a golden opportunity.

With the ASX under pressure again this week and share prices falling across the board, dividend-focused investors may be in a better position than most.

Because when the market sells off, dividend yields go up — and quality income stocks become even more compelling.

Yields are rising

When share prices fall and dividends remain stable, yields naturally lift.

That's exactly what's happening now. Across the ASX 200, several top dividend shares are offering higher-than-usual income streams purely because their share prices have dipped — not because the businesses are in trouble.

APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA), GQG Partners Inc. (ASX: GQG), and Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) are all forecast to provide investors with dividend yields of 6.5%+ over the next 12 months after being dragged lower.

It is worth noting also that brokers remain positive on these names. For example, Macquarie rates APA as outperform with a $8.14 price target and GQG as outperform with a $3.00 price target. Whereas Bell Potter is positive on Rural Funds and has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

Reinvesting in ASX dividend shares at lower prices

One often forgotten advantages of market weakness is what it means for dividend reinvestment.

If you're reinvesting your dividends — either manually or via a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) — you're now buying more shares with the same payout. That accelerates compounding and builds a larger income stream over time.

Essentially, the market's giving income investors a nice discount.

Defensive income in volatile times

While growth stocks can be hit hard in selloffs, many high-quality dividend payers hold up better.

Businesses in sectors like utilities, telcos, consumer staples, and infrastructure often enjoy more stable earnings and predictable cash flow — exactly what income-focused portfolios rely on.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) are examples of this. Whatever happens in the economy, Australians still need their phones, bread, and milk.

Goldman Sachs currently rates Telstra as a buy with a $4.50 price target. Whereas Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating and $17.60 price target on Coles' shares.

Foolish takeaway

If you're investing for income, short-term volatility shouldn't be a deterrent — it should be an invitation.

With quality ASX dividend shares now offering even better yields than they were a couple of months ago, now could be the perfect time to put fresh capital to work.