Investing $500 might not seem like much, but it is more than enough to get started in the share market.

In fact, small amounts invested consistently can compound into something meaningful over time. The key is focusing on quality ASX shares with strong long-term potential, rather than trying to chase quick wins.

Here are three shares that could be worth considering with $500.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX share that could be a smart option is Breville Group.

Breville has built a premium brand in kitchen appliances, with products that are recognised globally for quality and design. But what makes the business particularly interesting is its international growth story.

A large portion of its revenue now comes from overseas markets, especially the United States. This gives Breville exposure to a much larger customer base than the Australian market alone.

At the same time, the company continues to innovate and expand its product range, helping to maintain its premium positioning. This is particularly the case in the growing coffee category, where Breville is a market leader.

Overall, Breville offers investors exposure to a global consumer brand with long-term growth potential.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

Another ASX share to consider is ResMed.

ResMed operates in the sleep apnoea and respiratory care space, providing devices and software that help patients manage chronic conditions.

What sets the company apart is its recurring revenue model. Once a patient starts using a device, they often continue purchasing masks, software, and accessories over time.

There are also strong structural tailwinds supporting the business. Sleep apnoea remains highly underdiagnosed globally, and awareness continues to grow. In fact, there are over 1 billion sufferers worldwide according to ResMed. But most aren’t aware of their condition.

This means that ResMed potentially offers long-term investors a combination of defensive healthcare exposure and steady growth.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

A third ASX share that could be a strong option for the $500 is TechnologyOne.

It provides enterprise software solutions, primarily to government and education sectors. Its shift to a cloud-based model has transformed the business, increasing recurring revenue and improving margins.

One of the most appealing aspects of TechnologyOne is its consistency. The company has a long track record of delivering steady earnings growth and expanding its customer base.

It is also growing internationally, particularly in the UK, which could provide another leg of growth in the years ahead.

For investors looking to build wealth over time, TechnologyOne could be worth considering, especially after recent share price weakness.

The post Where to invest $500 in ASX shares right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX 200 stocks could be perfect for buy and hold investors
• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy immediately if the market dips again
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now
• $2,000 to invest? 3 ASX shares to consider today

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

Turning $20,000 into $100,000 might sound ambitious, but it is far from impossible with the right strategy and enough time.

The key is not trying to get there quickly.

Instead, it is about building a repeatable process that allows compounding to do the heavy lifting. And for many investors, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be one of the simplest ways to make that happen.

Start with a clear framework

Rather than chasing the next hot trend, a more effective approach is to build around three pillars. Broad market exposure, long-term growth themes, and quality.

This framework helps balance risk while still allowing a portfolio to grow meaningfully over time.

For example, an investor could begin with a global ETF like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). This provides instant diversification across hundreds of companies and reduces reliance on the Australian market.

From there, adding a growth-focused ETF such as the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) can increase exposure to innovation-led businesses.

Finally, a quality-focused fund like the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) can help tilt the portfolio toward companies with durable competitive advantages.

Let time do the work

The biggest driver of turning $20,000 into $100,000 is time.

Assuming an average annual return of around 10%, which is broadly in line with long-term equity market returns, a single $20,000 investment could grow to approximately $100,000 in around 17 years.

That might feel like a long time, but this is where patience becomes a powerful advantage. Investors who stay consistent and avoid reacting to short-term noise are often the ones who benefit the most.

Add fuel along the way

One way to reach the goal faster is to contribute regularly.

Even small additions, such as $200 or $300 per month, can significantly shorten the timeframe. These contributions allow investors to take advantage of market dips and continue building their position regardless of market conditions.

Over time, this approach reduces the pressure to time the market and instead focuses on time in the market.

Reinvest everything

Another often overlooked factor is reinvestment.

Dividends paid by ETFs can be used to purchase additional units, which then generate their own returns. This creates a compounding loop that accelerates growth over time.

While it may be tempting to take income along the way, reinvesting in the early stages can make a meaningful difference to the final outcome.

Stay consistent

It is important to remember that markets will not move in a straight line.

There will be periods of volatility, corrections, and even bear markets. But these phases are part of the process, not something to fear.

In fact, they can create opportunities to buy more units at lower prices, which can enhance long-term returns.

A simple path to a big goal

Turning $20,000 into $100,000 does not require complex strategies or constant trading.

By combining diversified ETFs, a long-term mindset, regular contributions, and reinvestment, investors can give themselves a realistic pathway to reaching that milestone.

It may not happen overnight, but with discipline and consistency, it is a goal that is well within reach.

The post How to turn $20,000 into $100,000 with ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 Vanguard ETFs for Aussies to buy this month
• 3 BetaShares ETFs I think can beat the market over 5 years
• 3 top ASX ETFs to buy with $30,000 this month
• Which ASX ETFs I’d buy for retirement investing
• Where to invest $7,000 in ASX shares during April

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 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 VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The team at DP Wealth Advisory has given its verdict on a number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) this week.

Let’s see, courtesy of The Bull, if it rates them as buys, holds, or sells:

Betashares Global Royalties ETF (ASX: ROYL)

The wealth advisory firm thinks this ETF could be a buy this week.

It highlights its strong track record since inception and its attractive and predictable income as reasons to consider the fund. It said:

This exchange traded fund focuses on global companies earning royalty and intellectual property income. The benefit from companies producing royalty income is the predictable nature derived from holding the underlying investments. Sector exposure at February 27, 2026 included gold, oil, gas, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

Geographical exposure includes the US, Canada and Brazil. Since its inception in September 2022, the fund had returned 19.77 per cent per annum as of March 31, 2026. ROYL can be considered a solid inclusion in a balanced portfolio.

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets AUD ETF (ASX: IEM)

DP Wealth Advisory has named this emerging market fund as a hold this week.

While it is positive on what it offers investors, it isn’t enough for a buy rating. It commented:

This exchange traded fund provides exposure to big and mid sized companies in emerging markets. Geographical exposure includes China, India and South Korea, among others.

The average annual total return over three years was 15.30 per cent as of March 31, 2026. A benefit of the ETF is providing exposure to companies and economies that some would find difficult to source as an individual investor.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

This cybersecurity focused ASX ETF has been named as a sell by DP Wealth Advisory.

While the fund has been a strong performer in recent years, it thinks investors may be better avoiding it while AI disruption concerns weigh on software stocks. It explains:

This exchange traded fund tracks the Nasdaq Cyber Security Index and provides investors with exposure to the rapidly growing and ever evolving cyber security theme. Names held within the ETF included CrowdStrike Holdings, Palo Alto Networks and Cisco Systems as at April 8, 2026.

After performing strongly for the past five years, this ETF, along with other software focused investments, have been under pressure due to fears artificial intelligence large language models (LLM) could significantly disrupt software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses. While these concerns may be over done, it’s safer to take profits and avoid the SaaS sector until more certainty emerges.

The post Expert names 1 ASX ETF to buy, 1 to hold, and 1 to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 BetaShares ETFs I think can beat the market over 5 years
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• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036
• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market

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 BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, Cisco Systems, and CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX financial stock GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) is on the back foot again. The fund manager has slipped 2.25% during afternoon trade to $1.74 at the time of writing, as investors have reacted to its latest quarterly update.

Zoom out, and the trend hasn’t been pretty. Over the past 12 months, the ASX financial stock is down 13%, badly lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has climbed 15.6% over the same period.

So what’s driving the weakness?

The headline number is hard to ignore. GQG reported funds under management (FUM) of US$162.5 billion as at 31 March 2026. That included net outflows of US$8.6 billion for the quarter — a clear red flag for the market. Throughout 2025, the ASX financial stock saw a total of US$3.9 billion leave its funds. 

For fund managers, flows are everything. Outflows don’t just hit revenue; they also signal fading investor confidence. And right now, that’s exactly what the market is reacting to.

Management of the ASX financial stock didn’t sugarcoat the backdrop. The quarter was shaped by heightened volatility, with geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty weighing heavily on global markets. In that kind of environment, investors often pull money or shift into safer assets.

Backing its playbook

But here’s where it gets interesting. GQG stuck to its playbook. The firm maintained a defensive stance, focusing on companies with stable earnings and strong fundamentals. That strategy delivered, as all major investment strategies outperformed their benchmarks during the period.

In other words, performance wasn’t the problem. Instead, the pressure is coming from a disconnect. Strong relative returns, but money still walking out the door.

One area in particular continues to weigh heavily: emerging markets. This part of the strategy of the ASX financial stock has seen the deepest underperformance and remains a key source of outflows. Until that segment stabilises, it’s likely to act as a drag on overall sentiment.

Cautious stance

Management, however, is playing the long game. It emphasised strong alignment with clients and shareholders and doubled down on its core objective, protecting capital in what it sees as a period of elevated downside risk.

That’s a cautious stance. And in today’s market, caution doesn’t always win immediate applause.

The bottom line?

GQG isn’t struggling to generate returns. It’s struggling to hold onto capital. Until flows turn, the price of the ASX financial stock may remain under pressure. Even if performance stays solid.

For investors, the key question is whether these outflows are temporary, driven by short-term volatility, or something more structural.

Because if confidence returns, GQG could stabilise quickly.

But for now, the market is focused on what’s leaving, not what’s working.

The post Why this $5 billion ASX financial stock is slipping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• GQG Partners share price in focus as Q1 FUM update reveals outflows
• ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week
• 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in April
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• Where to invest $2,000 in ASX dividend shares

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 recommended Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares have been one of the ASX’s wildest rides over the past few months.

After collapsing to $5.05 in mid-February during the Grizzly short-seller fallout, the defence technology stock staged a dramatic rebound. It has since traded back near record territory, recently pushing as high as $11.80 in March before another volatile pullback.

That quick recovery raises an interesting question for investors.

Will EOS shares ever revisit the $5 level, or has the business fundamentally moved into a different valuation range?

Here’s what could decide that.

Why the $5 sell-off happened

The move to $5 was driven less by operations and more by confidence around the company.

The Grizzly report in early February directly challenged EOS’ Korean Goldrone laser contract, MARSS acquisition assumptions, and broader disclosure quality. That forced the company into a trading halt before management issued a detailed response rejecting the claims.

At the time, the sell-off was severe because EOS had already rallied hard into the event.

The market quickly shifted from pricing in rapid defence growth to focusing on funding risk, execution, and trust in future milestones.

But since then, EOS has continued backing the rebound with real operational progress.

The company ended FY25 with an unconditional order book of $459 million. It secured a $100 million funding facility, expanded its laser manufacturing footprint into Singapore, and continued winning new remote weapon system (RWS) orders.

Undoubtedly, that is a much stronger fundamental base than what existed when the stock first broke below the $5 mark.

What would send it back there?

For EOS shares to revisit $5, the market would likely need to see another major confidence shock rather than simple day-to-day volatility.

The most obvious risk remains execution.

The company still needs to convert its large order book into revenue, margins, and cash flow. Investors will also be watching whether the conditional US$80 million Goldrone laser opportunity converts into a fully binding contract in the June quarter, following the revised timeline flagged in March.

A miss on that milestone, slower revenue conversion, or another externally driven short-seller style event could reopen the path lower.

Foolish Takeaway

Personally, I would be far more interested in EOS on renewed weakness than after another sharp rally.

The business now has a larger contracted revenue base, stronger funding support, and exposure to defence segments where demand is still rising globally.

That said, the volatility remains too high for this to ever become a major portfolio position for me.

If the share price were to drift back toward the $5 range on sentiment rather than a deterioration in fundamentals, I would be inclined to put a small portion of capital to work.

The post Will EOS shares ever go back to $5? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY) is quietly pushing into record territory on Monday.

In mid-afternoon trade, the VHY unit price is up 0.25% to $85.36, after earlier touching a fresh all-time high of $85.65.

That move extends the ETF‘s strong 2026 run, with the income-focused fund now up 8.67% year to date and 25.71% over the past 12 months.

The latest gain also leaves VHY sitting at the very top of its 52-week range, which previously topped out near $85.57.

So, what is driving this popular ASX dividend ETF to new highs?

Income demand and market leadership are doing the heavy lifting

VHY’s recent strength looks closely tied to where investors are still finding relative safety in the current market.

While growth and small-cap names have remained volatile, money has continued rotating into established areas. These include dividend-paying blue chips, particularly banks, miners, and large industrial stocks.

And that plays directly into VHY’s strategy.

The ETF tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, giving investors diversified exposure to higher-yielding Australian shares.

Its largest exposures remain concentrated in sectors that have performed well this year, especially financials and resources.

Major positions include names such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

These stocks have generally remained among the ASX’s more resilient large-cap dividend payers, helping to support the Vanguard’s steady climb.

Yield, franking, and simplicity still appeal

Part of VHY’s appeal is its straightforward role in an Australian portfolio.

The fund currently offers a distribution yield of around 5.35% and charges a 0.25% management fee. This helps explain why it remains one of the ASX’s more widely used income ETFs.

Rather than relying on one or two bank or mining shares, VHY spreads that income exposure across roughly 80 holdings. It also allows investors to retain meaningful franking credit benefits.

That said, the trade-off remains concentration.

Because the ETF leans heavily toward financials and resources, its performance can still be influenced by bank earnings, commodity prices, and dividend cycles.

Still, today’s move to a record high tells us that the market continues rewarding dependable yield and large-cap quality.

A portion of a portfolio in a quality ETF can be very beneficial, particularly for investors focused on income and long-term market exposure.

In this current market, that mix of yield, franking, and blue-chip exposure continues to strongly support investor demand.

The post Guess which ASX ETF just hit an all-time high today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Looking to add a quality ASX dividend share to your portfolio with the added potential for some outsized capital gains?

Then you might want to have a look at Count Ltd (ASX: CUP).

In afternoon trade on Monday, Count shares are up 0.5% at $1.065 each, shaking off the 0.5% losses posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) at this same time.

Taking a step back, shares in the integrated accounting and wealth services provider are up 42% in 12 months, well ahead of the 14.4% one-year gains posted by the All Ords.

The ASX dividend share also trades on a fully-franked trailing yield of 4.5%.

And according to the analysts at Canaccord Genuity, the year ahead could be even more profitable for stockholders.

Here’s why.

ASX dividend share expanding its footprint

In a new report released on Friday, Canaccord sounded a bullish note on Count’s acquisition of Oracle Group, announced to the market on 31 March.

The ASX dividend share is purchasing Oracle, which provides financial advice, accounting and investment management services, for $72.2 million. Oracle has a network of 14 offices across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

“The acquisition will significantly enhance Count’s east coast presence and, importantly, materially grow our exposure to highly attractive Wealth segment revenues,” Count CEO Hugh Humphrey said on the day.

“We believe this is a good price for a good acquisition,” Canaccord analysts said on Friday.

According to the broker:

We believe management has both articulated and executed its inorganic growth strategy with tuck-in acquisitions occurring regularly throughout the year (as has been the case for the past several years) as well as these larger transformational acquisitions such as Diverger in FY24 and now Oracle (expected to close prior to end FY26).

Commenting on the potential benefits of the acquisition for the ASX dividend share, Canaccord noted:

First, it appears a strong cultural fit and increases the exposure to financial planning and Wealth earnings outcomes – a stated desire of management. Secondly, we believe the structure of this business, with a high proportion of salaried employees, presents a lower risk for integration and future earnings. Finally, we believe this acquisition will add further to the ‘flywheel’ effect and expect there will be a further uplift in earnings in time as a result of this benefit.

Canaccord has a buy rating on Count shares. The broker increased its 12-month price target to $1.65 a share (previously $1.50).

That represents a potential upside of 55% from the current Count share price. And it doesn’t include those upcoming dividends.

The post Why this quality ASX dividend share is tipped to surge 55% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Buy and hold investing sounds simple, but I think it comes down to one key idea.

You need businesses that can keep moving forward without constant intervention.

That usually means ASX 200 stocks with durable demand, strong competitive positions, and the ability to grow without relying on perfect conditions.

With that said, here are three stocks that I think fit that description.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is a business that sits quietly behind the scenes of the wealth industry.

It provides the infrastructure that advisers use to manage client portfolios, which means it benefits as more money flows into professionally managed investments.

What I find interesting is how growth compounds. It is not just about attracting new clients. Existing accounts can grow as markets rise and as additional funds are added over time. That creates a layered effect, where growth builds on itself.

I also think the shift toward more sophisticated investment platforms is still playing out. As advisers look for better technology and reporting tools, platforms like Hub24 are well positioned to capture that demand.

For a buy and hold investor, I think that steady, structural growth is appealing.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is a business that I think benefits from a problem that is not going away.

Sleep apnoea and respiratory conditions are widespread and, in many cases, underdiagnosed. That creates a large and ongoing pool of potential patients.

What stands out to me is how the company monetises that. It is not a one-off product sale. There is an ongoing relationship with patients through devices, masks, and connected services that support long-term therapy.

That recurring revenue element is powerful. It creates visibility over future revenue and strengthens the company’s position within the healthcare system.

For long-term investors, I think businesses tied to essential health needs can be easier to hold through market cycles.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus approaches healthcare from a different angle.

Instead of physical products, this ASX 200 stock focuses on software that helps doctors and hospitals interpret medical images more efficiently.

What I like here is the business model. The company typically signs long-term contracts with major healthcare providers, just like it did today, which can create a pipeline of revenue that extends well into the future.

At the same time, its technology is designed to improve workflow and speed, which makes it valuable to customers once implemented.

That combination of long contracts and high switching costs can support durability, and could ultimately underpin strong earnings growth over the next decade.

Foolish takeaway

For me, buy and hold investing is about finding ASX 200 stocks that can keep progressing over many years.

Hub24 benefits from long-term growth in managed investments, ResMed is tied to ongoing healthcare demand, and Pro Medicus provides critical software with long-term contracts and strong customer relationships.

They are different in what they do, but I think each has qualities that could make them well suited to a long-term approach.

The post Why these ASX 200 stocks could be perfect for buy and hold investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy immediately if the market dips again
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
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• Why are Pro Medicus shares outperforming the market on Monday?
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Getting started with ASX shares does not need to be difficult.

For me, simplicity usually comes down to choosing businesses that are easy to understand, operate in essential areas, and have relatively predictable earnings.

That does not remove risk, but it can make it easier to stay invested and build confidence over time.

Here are three ASX shares I think are straightforward starting points.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is about as easy as it gets to understand.

It sells groceries and everyday essentials, which means it benefits from consistent demand. People still need to buy food regardless of what the economy is doing.

What I like here is the stability. The business generates steady cash flow, which supports regular dividends and ongoing investment in its operations.

There is also a gradual growth element through improvements in efficiency, supply chain, and digital capabilities.

For someone starting out, I think that mix of simplicity and reliability can be helpful.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra offers exposure to another essential service.

Telecommunications infrastructure underpins how people work, communicate, and consume content. That creates a recurring revenue base for the company.

What stands out to me is the predictability. Telstra has a large customer base and generates consistent earnings, which helps support its dividend payments.

It may not be a high-growth business, but I think it can play a steady role over time, particularly for investors interested in income.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Finally, Sigma Healthcare adds a slightly different angle.

Following its merger with Chemist Warehouse, the business now has a much larger presence across both distribution and retail pharmacy.

I think that integration is important. It gives Sigma Healthcare exposure to the full supply chain, from wholesaling medicines to selling them directly to consumers around the world.

Healthcare demand also tends to be relatively stable, supported by long-term trends such as population growth and ageing.

For someone starting out, I think Sigma offers a combination of defensiveness and growth potential, even if the share price may move around in the short term.

Foolish takeaway

Starting to invest does not require complex strategies. For me, it is about choosing businesses you can understand and hold with confidence.

Woolworths, Telstra, and Sigma Healthcare operate in areas people rely on every day, which supports steady demand.

I think that kind of foundation can make it easier to stay focused on the long term and continue building from there.

The post 3 simple ASX shares to start investing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
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• 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio
• Why ASX dividend investing still works for building long-term wealth

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are on the lookout for some new portfolio additions, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the ASX shares named below, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let’s find out.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Shaw and Partners has given its verdict on this banking giant. Unfortunately, it thinks CBA shares are a sell this week.

The main reason for this is its current valuation. The broker sees little margin for error and better value elsewhere in the sector. It said:

The CBA remains a high quality banking operation, but its valuation is increasingly difficult to justify. The stock trades at a significant premium to global peers despite a mature domestic banking market and limited growth potential, in my view.

While earnings remain stable, we see better value elsewhere in the sector. We believe the current share price leaves little margin for error, supporting a sell recommendation on valuation grounds. The shares have risen from $158.74 on February 10 to trade at $181.65 on April 9.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Over at DP Wealth Advisory, its analysts have named this plumbing parts company’s shares as a sell.

It highlights supply and demand pressures as a reason to be cautious, as well as a premium valuation. It explains:

This plumbing supplies company operates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. It’s exposed to cyclical forces within the building industry, including supply and demand pressures. While sales revenue was up 6 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to the prior corresponding period, net profit after tax fell 20 per cent. EBITDA declined 6 per cent in response to elevated costs.

The company is re-investing to drive longer term cost efficiencies and growth opportunities. However, the company is trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio compared to peers. In my view, Reece is exposed to supply chain and cost issues if the Middle East turns into a prolonged conflict.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Shaw and Partners is a little more positive on Bunnings owner Wesfarmers. It has named its shares as a hold this week.

While the broker is a fan of the company, it believes its share price is fully valued now and offers only limited upside. It said:

This company continues to deliver reliable earnings through its diversified portfolio of quality retail and industrial businesses. Company net profit after tax rose 9.3 per cent in the first half of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Revenue was up 3.1 per cent. Hardware giant Bunnings lifted total sales by 4 per cent. Total sales at Officeworks were up 4.7 per cent.

Strong balance sheet discipline and management execution support resilience across economic cycles. Much of this is already reflected in the share price, limiting near term upside, in my view. While it remains a high quality core holding, we believe a hold rating is appropriate until a lower share price or growth catalyst emerges.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Reece, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.