Over the past few years, or even perhaps decades, passive investing has become one of the most widely-implemented strategies when it comes to building wealth on the stock market. ASX investors simply love index funds, with the ease of access, cheap management fees, and hands-off approach resonating with many Australians.

In years gone by, there were only a handful of index funds available to Australian investors, making the choice, if one had decided to go down the index fund road, easy. However, that is not really the case today. If you are searching for index funds on the ASX, there are now an overwhelming number of options one could go for. This situation, whilst good for the discerning investor, can make life tricky for those just wanting a set-and-forget strategy.

With that in mind, today, let’s go through three ASX index funds that I think amount to the best choices our market has to offer a passive investor in 2026.

Three top ASX index funds for passive investing in 2026 and beyond

First up, we have the BetaShares Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300). This ASX index fund tracks the largest 300 stocks listed on the Australian share market. That includes everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

Like most index funds (and the other two we’ll discuss in a moment), this fund is weighted by market capitalisation. That means the larger the company, the larger its slice of the index fund pie.

Full disclosure, I own an S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) fund, but it’s not A300. This fund only launched in August of last year, and I have held the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) for many years. But A300 would be my choice for new investors, simply because it charges a lower management fee of 0.04% per annum.

Our next fund worth considering is the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This fund is similar in nature to A300. However, instead of holding the ASX’s 300 largest stocks, it holds the 500 largest companies in the American markets. That includes big tech titans like Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as other American companies such as ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, Walmart, and General Motors.

I think most ASX investors will benefit from expanding their portfolios beyond Australia’s borders, and IVV holds many of the world’s best companies. It also charges a management fee of 0.04% per annum.

Last but not least

Finally, investors may wish to consider the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). As its name implies, this ASX index fund represents access to a number of international stock markets. That includes the US, but also Britain, Canada, Japan, Spain, Israel, Singapore, and many others. In addition to IVV’s top holdings (which VGS largely shares), this fund’s portfolio includes stocks such as Nestle, Toyota, AstraZeneca, and Shell.

If you wanted a US-centric index fund that also grants exposure to a diversified supplementation of advanced economies’ markets, VGS is a fabulous option to consider. This ETF charges a management fee of 0.18% per annum.

The post What are the ASX’s top 3 index funds for passive investing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036
• A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth
• Why this looks like a great time to buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Amazon, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, AstraZeneca Plc, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended General Motors and Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) shares closed on Thursday trading for $2.30.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) airline stock, and chief competitor to Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN), have struggled in 2026.

Indeed, at Thursday’s close, Virgin Australia shares are now down 34% year to date. That trails the 18% losses posted by Qantas shares this calendar year, and is well behind the 1.55% loss on the ASX 200.

The stock is also now trading below its initial public offering (IPO), with investors who bought on the first day of trading nursing even steeper losses.

Investors able to take part in Virgin Australia’s IPO picked up shares for $2.90 apiece. The ASX 300 airline stock began trading on the ASX on 24 June. Shares opened on the day at $3.12 and closed trading for $3.23 each.

A lot of the losses in 2026 were delivered in March following the onset of the Iran war. With fuel prices surging and some travel routes facing potential disruptions, Virgin Australia stock plunged 23.6% in the month just past.

So, with shares having lost almost a third of their value in 2026, is it time to buy the dip?

Should you buy Virgin Australia shares today?

Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 300 airline stock (courtesy of The Bull).

“The Australian airline delivered a strong result in the first half of fiscal year 2026, with underlying earnings before interest and tax increasing by 11.7% to $490 million,” Halligan said. “Revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) was up 6.4%.”

He added:

The group’s transformation program delivered more than $200 million in gross benefits. The company has now exhausted tax losses and will begin paying tax, with franking credits at $94 million.

But with the company facing potentially increasing costs, Halligan isn’t ready to pull the trigger yet, with a hold recommendation on Virgin Australia shares.

He concluded, “While demand and yields remain supportive, rising expenses suggest a balanced hold stance.”

What’s the latest from the ASX 300 airline stock?

Virgin Australia reported its half-year results on 27 February.

Highlights included a 9.3% year-on-year increase in revenue for the six months to $3.32 billion.

But Virgin Australia shares came under some pressure, closing down 0.3% on the day, with statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $341 million, down 27.9%, primarily due to prior period tax benefits.

Commenting on the company’s performance on the day, Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said:

The group’s continued strong performance clearly demonstrates that our constant focus on transformation and innovation is not only delivering strong financial outcomes but strengthens our ability to remain a robust competitor for years to come.

The post Down 34% in 2026, are Virgin Australia shares a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares
• Virgin Australia shares fly 13% higher: Is this the start of the rebound we’ve all been waiting for?
• What’s next for Virgin Australia, Qantas shares as fuel prices surge?
• Virgin Australia shares slide again as global turmoil rattles key partnership
• Why Regis Resources, Strike Energy, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares are falling today

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Getting started in the share market does not require picking individual winners straight away.

Many investors choose to begin with exchange traded funds (ETFs), which can provide instant diversification and exposure to some of the world’s strongest businesses and growth trends. With just a few investments, it is possible to build a solid foundation for long-term wealth.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be great options for those starting out in 2026.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could be a strong starting point is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund provides exposure to 500 of the largest companies listed in the United States, covering a broad mix of industries including technology, healthcare, financials, and consumer goods.

What makes this ETF appealing is its simplicity. By tracking a widely followed index, it gives investors access to many of the world’s most established and profitable businesses in a single investment.

Over time, these companies have demonstrated an ability to grow earnings and adapt to changing conditions, which has supported strong long-term returns.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund focuses on leading technology companies listed on the ASX, offering exposure to businesses driving digital transformation across industries.

Its holdings include names such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), all of which benefit from recurring revenue and scalable platforms.

For investors looking to add a growth tilt to their portfolio, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF provides targeted exposure to Australia’s technology sector in a single trade. It was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

A third ASX ETF that could be a compelling option is the Global X FANG+ ETF.

This ETF takes a more concentrated approach, investing in a small group of global technology and innovation leaders. Its portfolio includes companies such as NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR).

These businesses are at the forefront of major trends such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation.

While the Global X FANG+ ETF can be more volatile than broader market funds, it offers exposure to companies with significant growth potential. For investors with a long-term mindset, that could make it an interesting addition alongside more diversified holdings. Bell Potter recently recommended this fund to clients.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036
• Bell Potter names 2 of the best ASX ETFs to buy now
• 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy for the tech rebound
• A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth
• Why this looks like a great time to buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Technology One, WiseTech Global, Xero, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, Technology One, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When a blue-chip share like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) falls 50% from its highs, it tends to grab attention for all the wrong reasons.

But for long-term investors, this kind of sell-off can be worth a closer look.

CSL has built its reputation over decades as one of the highest-quality companies on the ASX. It operates in global healthcare markets with strong demand, high barriers to entry, and significant pricing power. Those structural advantages have not disappeared overnight.

What has changed is sentiment, and that is often where opportunity begins.

Why have CSL shares crashed?

It is fair to say that the company’s latest half-year result was messy on the surface. Statutory profit took a major hit due to restructuring costs and impairments.

But the bigger issue was the underlying performance, particularly in its core CSL Behring division. Immunoglobulin growth came in softer than expected and, importantly, the anticipated margin recovery is taking longer to materialise.

That matters because CSL’s investment case has long been built on steady earnings growth and operating leverage. When both of those appear less certain, the market tends to reassess valuation quickly.

At the same time, the company is working through policy changes, competitive pressures, and the impacts of its transformation program. These factors have added further complexity to the outlook and raised questions about the pace of recovery.

Compounding this was leadership uncertainty following the CEO transition, which came at a time when investors were already looking for reassurance.

The long-term growth story remains intact

Despite the many negatives that are seemingly hitting all at once, CSL’s core business is still built on strong foundations.

The company continues to operate in markets with significant unmet medical need, particularly in its immunoglobulin portfolio. Management continues to point to solid long-term demand drivers, including mid to high single-digit growth across key therapies.

It is also investing for the future. The group is targeting cost savings through its transformation program, expanding its product portfolio, and positioning itself for further growth in plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty pharmaceuticals.

These are not the actions of a business in decline. They are the actions of a company trying to reset and improve.

A rare opportunity for patient investors

High-quality ASX shares like CSL rarely trade at steep discounts without a reason. But when they do, it can present a compelling long-term opportunity.

If CSL can execute on its strategy, deliver cost savings, and continue growing its core therapies, today’s weakness could look very different in five or ten years.

A 50% decline does not guarantee a bargain. But for a company with CSL’s track record and industry position, it may represent one of those rare moments where patient investors are given a second chance.

The post Are ‘50% off’ CSL shares a once-in-a-decade opportunity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Amid all of the volatility on the stock market, there are some great ASX dividend shares that are currently trading at excellent prices. If I were given a few thousand dollars today to invest for passive income, I know which ones I’d buy.

I’d want a good dividend yield, good growth potential and an attractive valuation.

The three stocks below really tick my boxes right now.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

I think this business, a real estate investment trust (REIT), could be one of the best ideas in the sector for finding rental growth.

It’s an industrial property pure play with a national portfolio of buildings in locations where demand is strong and vacancy is low.

The ASX dividend share is benefiting from increasing demand related to tailwinds like a growing population, increasing e-commerce adoption, more data centres and so on.

In the FY26 half-year result, the business reported that its like-for-like net operating income (NOI) growth was 5.1% and it’s expecting to grow its FY26 annual distribution to 16.8 cents per unit. That translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.8%, at the time of writing.

It also reported that its HY26 net tangible assets (NTA) were $3.95 per unit at 31 December 2025, so it’s trading at a 27% discount to this at the time of writing.

WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG)

This is a listed investment company (LIC) which looks to give investors exposure to a global portfolio of businesses with expanding economic moats and a business culture that fosters the improvement of the economic moat.

Competitive advantages are an important part of a business staying ahead of peers that want to take their market share. If those advantages are getting stronger, that’s a signal the business has more power to make bigger profits.

The impressive investment returns the ASX dividend share has generated have allowed it to steadily increase its dividend over the last several years. At the moment, it’s hiking its quarterly dividend every quarter.

It’s expecting to pay a quarterly dividend of 2.45 cents per share in a year from now in March 2027. That translates into an annualised grossed-up dividend yield of 8.2%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

The business is trading at a discount to its latest weekly NTA before tax of $1.81 at 27 March 2026.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

This business is invested in a portfolio of high-quality fund managers (affiliates) and helps them grow their business.

Pinnacle can provide a wide array of behind-the-scenes services to its affiliates such as compliance, legal and client distribution. This allows the fund managers to focus on what their clients are really paying for – investment professionals delivering investment returns.

When the share markets fall it hurts the funds under management (FUM), which in turn hurts the ASX dividend share’s earnings potential in the shorter-term, but I think this cyclical nature makes it a good opportunity to buy during bear markets.

Pinnacle’s expanding portfolio of affiliates have a long-term track record of largely outperforming their benchmarks and attracting new client FUM, which is a powerful combination for growing FUM and earnings.

According to the projection on Commsec, Pinnacle could pay an annual dividend per share of 62 cents in FY26, which translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of more than 5.5%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

The post 3 top ASX dividend share buys for passive income in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more
• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $8,000
• This beaten-down ASX financial stock could deliver returns of better than 80%

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Wcm Global Growth. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Easter is a time for chocolate, long weekends, and maybe a bit of overindulgence.

But with cocoa prices soaring and Easter eggs costing more than ever, investors might want to consider saving the money (and the calories) and putting it to work in the share market instead.

Here are three ASX shares that could be worth considering this month.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX share that could be a smart buy this Easter is Breville.

Breville designs and sells premium kitchen appliances across global markets, with its products found in countless homes throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Its focus on innovation and quality has helped it build a strong brand and loyal customer base.

One of the key drivers of its long-term growth is its expansion in the United States. As it continues to deepen relationships with major retailers and increase brand awareness, Breville has a significant opportunity to grow its market share. This is especially the case in the booming coffee market, where Breville is having significant success.

With a scalable business model and exposure to global consumer demand, Breville could continue delivering solid growth over the years ahead.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is Light & Wonder.

Light & Wonder operates across gaming, digital, and social casino markets, creating content and platforms that generate recurring revenue from players around the world.

A key strength of the business is its diversification. It earns revenue from land-based gaming machines as well as digital channels, which provides multiple avenues for growth.

The company is also benefiting from the ongoing shift towards digital gaming, where engagement levels and monetisation opportunities are strong.

With a growing portfolio of popular games and platforms, Light & Wonder appears well placed to build on its momentum. And with its shares down heavily from their highs, now could be an opportune time to invest.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A third ASX share that could be a top pick this Easter is Xero.

Xero provides cloud-based accounting software to small and medium-sized businesses, with a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and international markets.

Its platform plays a critical role in helping businesses manage their finances, which makes it deeply embedded in customer operations. This leads to high retention rates and recurring subscription revenue.

Looking ahead, Xero still has a large opportunity to expand globally and increase its average revenue per user through additional services. Combined with the ongoing shift towards cloud-based software, this could support long-term growth.

And while there are fears about AI disruption, Xero’s recent deal with AI giant Anthropic is starting to allay these concerns. So, with its shares down 60% from their high, this could be one to consider when the market reopens.

The post Forget Easter eggs, these ASX shares could be your best buys this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

You’ll probably see the $1 million superannuation figure floated whenever anyone talks about how much you need to retire.

Every few months superannuation industry bodies declare that this is the amount that every single one of us needs before we can think about retiring.

But the reality is, while $1 million will afford you an extremely comfortable retirement lifestyle, it’s not anywhere close to the minimum requirement.

How much superannuation do I actually need to retire in Australia?

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), the actual amount required depends on what retirement lifestyle you expect to live when you stop working.

A modest retirement is one defined as being able to cover expenses slightly above the full Centrelink Age Pension. 

Meanwhile a comfortable retirement is one that allows you to maintain a good standard of living above and beyond what a modest retirement can give. This could include top-level private health insurance, regular leisure activities or occasional meals out. 

Both lifestyles assume financial independence and that you own your house outright.

ASFA has calculated that Australians can assume a modest retirement will cost around $35,503 per year, or  $51,299 per year for a couple. To fund that, ASFA estimates you need a superannuation balance of around $110,000, or a couple would need $120,000.

The cost of a comfortable retirement is a lot higher. Australians who want to live comfortably in retirement can expect to spend around $54,840 per year, or $77,375 per year for couples. That would require a superannuation balance of around $630,000 for a single person, or $730,000 for a couple.

While these superannuation balances are high, especially for anyone wanting a comfortable retirement, they’re significantly lower than the $1 million figure we frequently hear about.

How do I know exactly what figure works for me?

While the figures above are helpful benchmarks, they fail to represent the exact figure you’ll need for retirement.

If you’re planning to live more extravagantly then you’ll likely need a little more. Same for if you don’t yet own your home outright.

Meanwhile, if you’re happy to cut right back on costs then perhaps you’d need a little less.

Your first step is to figure out your own retirement spending and savings targets. To do this you’ll need to set a budget of how much you think you’ll spend each week or month in retirement.

You’ll also need to find out how much you currently have in your superannuation fund. Some of these funds can help you predict your retirement income. If it doesn’t, you can use an online tool calculator to help.

Then you want to compare your predicted regiment income to the budget you set yourself. 

Many Australians will be on track or close to the figure they need, particularly if their super is invested in growth assets linked to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

If yours is behind then it’s time to make some adjustments to ensure you’re in a well-performing fund, or make additional contributions to boost your balance as much as you can before your desired retirement age comes. 

The post How much superannuation do you need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than you’d think appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

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:

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have upgraded this gold miner’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $16.00. The broker made the move following the release of further positive drilling results from Telfer. It highlights that there has been a significant increase in the West Dome open-pit resource, which was better than expected and lifts the mining life beyond consensus estimates. Another positive was a higher than expected grade from its underground resource. Combined with the O’Callaghans deposit, Citi believes the market isn’t fully pricing in Greatland Resources’ potential. The Greatland Resources share price ended the week at $12.85.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $3.60 price target on this agricultural chemicals company’s shares. The broker highlights that we are entering the most material selling windows for Nufarm. The good news is that the majority of markets look supportive of reasonable demand levels of crop protection products. In addition, Bell Potter points out that upward movements in active ingredients and omega-3 indicators all look to support a reasonable pricing environment. It feels that this leaves Nufarm well-positioned to deleverage its balance sheet, which could be a positive share price catalyst. The Nufarm share price was fetching $2.03 at Thursday’s close.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this energy producer’s shares with an improved price target of $8.75. According to the note, the broker has boosted its earnings estimates for the energy sector to reflect higher oil and LNG prices. It highlights that the war in the Middle East is very unpredictable and further oil prices rallies are a possibility. Santos’ earnings per share estimates have been materially increased through to FY 2028 compared to previous expectations. The Santos share price ended the week at $8.08.

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

More reading

• Why Greatland Resources, Newmont, Northern Star, and Qantas shares are rising today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Are you on the hunt for some new additions to your portfolio in April?

If you are, it could be worth checking out the ASX shares that analysts at Bell Potter and Morgans are recommending to clients.

Here’s what you need to know:

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The first ASX share that is rated as a buy is Harvey Norman.

Bell Potter acknowledges that there are risks in the retail sector, particularly given the company’s exposure to multiple product categories. However, it believes Harvey Norman’s geographic diversification and property assets help balance these risks.

Importantly, the broker sees value emerging in its shares after a sharp decline. Furthermore, it highlights that Harvey Norman’s international store expansion, ongoing store upgrades in Australia, and significant property portfolio could support earnings growth over time.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $6.70 price target on its shares. It said:

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN’s well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks.

Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

Another ASX share that is rated as a buy by brokers is Navigator Global Investments.

Morgans believes the company’s recent acquisition of Georgian strengthens its long-term growth outlook. Georgian is an AI-focused growth equity firm, which Morgans believes aligns with key investment trends and could support earnings growth in the coming years.

While the broker has trimmed its price target due to broader market valuation changes, it does not believe the company’s fundamentals have deteriorated. In fact, recent market volatility may even be supportive of its alternative asset management business.

Morgans has put a buy rating and $2.98 price target on its shares. It said:

NGI has acquired Georgian, a Toronto-based AI-focused growth equity firm. This deal appears to be a strategic fit for NGI, meeting its flagged acquisition criteria and being earnings accretive. We forecast NGI FY26F/FY27F/FY28F EPS to increase by ~1%-3% following the transaction. However, our target price reduces to A$2.98 (from A$3.35), reflecting a meaningful contraction in global peer trading multiples and our application of a more conservative valuation multiple to NGI (12.5x PE versus 15x previously).

NGI’s recent sell-off appears to be mainly tied to Private Credit concerns around its key strategic partner Blue Owl. We think NGI’s fundamentals are largely unchanged, and current market volatility is arguably conducive to its stable of alternative asset fund managers. We rate NGI a Buy.

The post Why these ASX shares are rated as buys in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Long-term investing does not need to be complicated. Rather than trying to pick the next big winner, many investors focus on building a portfolio that can grow steadily over time.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can play a key role in that approach by offering diversification, simplicity, and exposure to powerful global trends.

But which funds could be top buy and hold picks this month?

Here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth buying in April and holding until 2036.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF to consider for the long term is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This ETF tracks the S&P 500, giving investors exposure to 500 of the largest stocks in the United States. But more importantly, it provides access to businesses that have proven their ability to scale, adapt, and lead globally.

The index itself evolves over time, naturally shifting towards companies that are performing well. That means investors are not locked into yesterday’s winners but instead continue to gain exposure to the leaders of tomorrow.

For a long-term portfolio, the iShares S&P 500 ETF offers a strong foundation built on some of the world’s most successful companies.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF that could be a top pick is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

It expands the opportunity set beyond the US by providing exposure to developed markets around the world. This includes companies across Europe, Japan, and other major economies.

What makes this ETF appealing over a 10-year period is diversification. Different regions can perform well at different times, and the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF allows investors to benefit from a broader range of economic drivers.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the popular BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

It focuses on the Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted towards technology and growth companies. These businesses are at the forefront of innovation, including areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services.

While this can lead to periods of volatility, it also creates the potential for strong long-term returns as these trends continue to develop.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as more of the world moves online. Every connected system, from businesses to governments, requires protection from digital threats.

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF invests in companies that provide these essential services. While these businesses often operate behind the scenes, their role is critical to the functioning of the modern economy.

Over the next decade, demand for cybersecurity solutions is likely to grow materially, making this ETF a way to invest in that ongoing need.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

A final ASX ETF to consider is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to leading technology stocks across Asia, offering a different perspective on digital growth compared to Western markets.

Many of its holdings operate large-scale platforms that combine multiple services into a single ecosystem, driving strong user engagement and monetisation opportunities from the region’s growing middle class.

For investors with a long time horizon, the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers exposure to a region that is likely to play an increasingly important role in the global technology landscape.

The post 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy these BetaShares ETFs for my portfolio in April
• 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy for the tech rebound
• A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth
• Why this looks like a great time to buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.