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
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• How ASX 200 energy shares like Santos, Beach and Woodside surged in March’s sinking market
• 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

• Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely
• 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have long been popular with passive income investors for the bank’s reliable, twice yearly dividend payouts.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock even paid two fully franked dividends in the pandemic addled year of 2020.

Looking at the last two payouts, CBA paid a final dividend of $2.60 a share on 29 September. And the big four bank just paid its interim dividend of $2.35 a share on 30 March.

Atop those fully franked dividends, CBA shares have also gained 11.5% in 12 months, outperforming the 8.3% one-year gains posted by the ASX 200.

But with the CommBank share price now having more than doubled over five years, closing at $172.82 on Thursday, is Australia’s biggest bank still a good passive income play?

Should you buy CBA shares for passive income?

Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco recently ran his slide rule over the ASX bank stock (courtesy of The Bull).

“The bank is a quality company and a staple in investor portfolios,” he said. “It has established a strong track record of performance over many years.”

As for the passive income potential, Greco said:

The company delivered a 5% increase in statutory net profit after tax in the first half of fiscal year 2026. However, the dividend yield was trading below 3% on March 26, so better income is available elsewhere.

Indeed, at Thursday’s closing price CBA shares trade on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.9%.

That’s significantly less than passive income investors were banking from the stock a few years ago.

For example, three years ago, on 31 March 2023, you could have bought CBA stock for $98.32 a share. And with an eye on the $4.20 a share in fully franked dividends the bank paid out over the prior 12 months, it was then trading on a trailing dividend yield of 4.3%.

Connecting the dots, Greco issued a sell recommendation on the big four bank.

He concluded:

The conflict in Iran suggests a possibly slowing global economy likely to impact credit growth in Australia’s higher interest rate environment. CBA is trading at a premium to peers, so it may be time to consider reducing exposure in this volatile environment.

What kind of a premium does CommBank stock command?

CBA shares trade on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of around 28 times.

As for the other big four Aussie banks: Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) trades on a P/E ratio of around 20 times; ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) trades on a P/E ratio of around 19 times; and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) trades on a P/E ratio of around 19 times.

The post Are CBA shares still a good buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 shares to buy ahead of anticipated rally: expert
• What happened with ASX 200 bank stocks like CBA and Westpac in March?
• Why sitting out this ASX share market chaos could cost you big
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Pro Medicus shares

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.

Trying to time the market perfectly is almost impossible.

But what investors can do is position themselves ahead of improving conditions. When sentiment begins to shift, share prices often move quickly, and the biggest gains can come early in the recovery.

Right now, there are signs that confidence is starting to return. However, many high-quality ASX shares are still trading below their previous highs, which could present an opportunity for long-term investors.

Here are three ASX shares that could be worth buying before the next market rally.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The first ASX share to consider before the next market rally is CSL.

CSL is one of the world’s highest-quality biotechnology companies, with a global presence across plasma therapies and vaccines. Its products are essential, and demand tends to remain strong regardless of economic conditions.

In recent periods, the company has faced headwinds, particularly around the key CSL Behring business. While not out of the woods just yet, these challenges appear to be easing, and CSL is well positioned to return to consistent growth in the near term.

If sentiment improves, CSL shares may respond quickly given how they are trading near multi-year lows.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Another ASX share that could be a top pick is ResMed.

It is a global leader in sleep disorder treatment, providing devices and software that help patients manage conditions such as sleep apnoea.

The company’s shares have been caught up in the market selloff in 2026 and recently hit a 52-week low. However, the underlying business remains strong, with continued growth in device sales, margin expansion, and a large, underdiagnosed patient population.

As the market volatility fades and investors refocus on fundamentals, ResMed could be well placed to rebound. Its combination of recurring revenue and structural growth drivers makes it an appealing long-term option.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

A third ASX share to consider before the next market rally is WiseTech Global.

WiseTech provides software solutions that help manage global supply chains, with its CargoWise platform used by logistics companies around the world.

Its software is deeply embedded in customer operations, creating high switching costs and a steady stream of recurring revenue. This gives the company a strong competitive position in a complex and essential industry.

Its shares have pulled back materially from previous highs, but its long-term growth story remains intact. As global trade continues to digitise, WiseTech is well placed to benefit.

If market sentiment continues to improve, companies like WiseTech with strong fundamentals and global exposure could be among those leading the next rally.

The post 3 ASX shares to buy before the next market rally appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why KMD, Tamboran Resources, Whitehaven Coal, and WiseTech Global shares are falling today
• Why sitting out this ASX share market chaos could cost you big
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now
• Are investors running scared of WiseTech shares?
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and WiseTech Global. 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.

It’s been a brutal 12 months for some high-quality ASX shares.

But big sell-offs can create big opportunities, especially when the long-term story remains intact.

Here are three ASX shares down 25% or way more that could be worth a serious look right now.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

This $12 billion ASX share has been hammered, with the stock price down more than 38% over the past year. Yet the underlying business remains elite.

Pro Medicus provides radiology imaging software to hospitals and healthcare providers globally. It serves a niche, high-margin space with strong recurring revenue. Its Visage platform is widely regarded as best-in-class, giving it a powerful competitive moat.

Growth has been strong historically, driven by major contract wins in the US. And once hospitals adopt its system, switching costs are extremely high.

So what’s the risk?

Valuation — even after the fall. Pro Medicus has long traded at a premium, and any slowdown in contract wins or growth can hit sentiment hard. Add in broader tech sector weakness and AI fears, and you’ve got a recipe for volatility.

Analyst sentiment remains broadly positive, with many still viewing the ASX share as one of the highest-quality growth names on the ASX. Most brokers see the healthcare stock as a buy with an average 12-month price target of $218.74. That points to a 76% upside at the time of writing.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie shares are down heavily from recent highs, caught in the downturn in US housing. They have lost 25% of value over 12 months.

But this ASX share is still a dominant global player in fibre cement siding, with strong pricing power and a proven ability to grow market share.

Recent results showed solid sales growth, even as costs and housing softness impacted profits. And the AZEK acquisition opens the door to a much larger outdoor living market.

The risks? Cyclicality.

James Hardie is highly exposed to US housing activity. If housing remains weak, volumes and earnings could stay under pressure.

That said, analysts remain constructive. Trading View data show that 15 out of 22 analysts rate the ASX share a buy or strong buy. They have set an average price target of $42.09, implying a potential gain of almost 50% for the next 12 months.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

This popular ASX share has also fallen sharply from its highs, dragged down by margin concerns and softer growth expectations. In the past 12 months it has tumbled 34% to $175.04 at the time of writing.

But the long-term story remains compelling.

Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing devices, with a dominant market position and strong brand recognition. Demand is underpinned by ageing populations and increasing awareness of hearing solutions. That’s a powerful structural tailwind.

Its products are also highly specialised, which creates strong barriers to entry and leads to sticky customer relationships.

So why the sell-off?

Margins and growth have come under pressure, and investors have been quick to re-rate high-PE healthcare names. Like many quality ASX shares, this stock has suffered from multiple compression rather than a collapse in fundamentals.

Analysts remain broadly positive. They seem to be more cautious though in the near term as the company works through cost pressures and growth expectations reset. The average 12-month price target sits at $249.58, which suggests a 43% upside.

The post 3 ASX shares down 25% (or more) to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why two experts are urging investors to buy Pro Medicus shares
• 3 ASX 200 shares down at least 30% to buy now
• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout
• Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy?
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now

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

Long-term investing is not about chasing short-term trends.

Instead, it is about finding businesses that can grow consistently over many years, supported by strong competitive positions and large opportunities ahead of them.

These are the types of companies that can compound earnings and deliver meaningful returns over time.

Here are three ASX growth shares that could fit that description.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The first ASX share that I would buy and hold for the next decade is Megaport.

Megaport operates a global platform that allows businesses to connect to cloud services and data centres on demand. As more companies shift their operations to the cloud, the need for flexible and scalable connectivity continues to grow.

What arguably makes Megaport’s story more compelling today is its expansion beyond networking. The recent acquisition of Latitude brings high-performance compute capabilities into the platform, allowing customers to deploy both connectivity and compute infrastructure on demand. This positions the company at the centre of how modern workloads, including AI, are built and scaled.

While the company has faced challenges in the past, it now appears to be entering a more mature phase focused on profitability and execution. If it delivers on this broader infrastructure vision, Megaport could benefit from the continued growth of cloud and AI-driven demand globally.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX growth share that I would buy and hold is REA Group.

REA Group has built a dominant position in Australia’s online property listings market through realestate.com.au. Its platform benefits from strong network effects, where more listings attract more buyers, which in turn attracts more agents.

This creates pricing power. Agents are willing to pay for premium listings and advertising products because of the platform’s reach and effectiveness.

Over time, the company has been able to increase its revenue per listing, even during periods of softer property activity. Combined with its expansion into adjacent services, this could support continued growth over the long term.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

A third ASX growth share that I would buy and hold is TechnologyOne.

TechnologyOne provides enterprise software solutions and has successfully transitioned to a software-as-a-service model. This shift has created a more predictable and recurring revenue base, which is highly valuable for long-term investors.

The company is also expanding internationally, particularly in the UK, where it sees significant growth opportunities across government and enterprise sectors.

With high customer retention, strong margins, and a disciplined approach to growth, TechnologyOne has the characteristics of a business that can continue compounding earnings over many years.

The post 3 amazing ASX growth shares I’d buy and hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX stocks that could help turn $10,000 into $1 million
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday?
• Are the glory days over for REA shares?
• Is now the perfect time to buy ASX growth shares?
• Bullish on artificial intelligence? Here are 3 ASX shares I’d buy

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Megaport, REA Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport and Technology One. 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.

Defensive ASX dividend stocks are well-established companies with stable earnings regardless of what stage of the economic cycle we are in. 

It’s this unwavering stability which means they can offer a consistent and reliable dividend payment to shareholders.

And amid volatile global sharemarkets, a stable passive income should be on every investors’ radar right now.

Here are two defensive ASX dividend stocks that are at the top of my list.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is widely considered a high-grade defensive ASX dividend stock. The company operates toll roads in Australia and the US.

These toll roads usually have stable traffic volumes throughout the year. This means that Transurban is able to generate a resilient cash flow regardless of the economic conditions. 

Roads are an essential service and even in the event of a downturn, people still need to travel to work or transport goods and services. 

Another bonus is most of the toll roads are on an annual contract, which means Transurban is able to increase its toll prices each year in line with rising inflation.

Transurban pays two dividends per year. In February, the toll road operator paid an interim dividend of 34 cents per share, unfranked.

For FY26, the company has forecast a distribution of 69 cents per security, which implies a forward dividend yield of 4.9%. 

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) 

Telstra is a classic defensive asset. These days, internet access and mobile phone connectivity are a daily necessity rather than a perk. Regardless of how severe inflation or the cost of living gets, connectivity and telecommunications will remain a high priority for most Australians.  

This means Telstra shares can usually perform steadily, regardless of what stage of the economic cycle we’re in. And this is great news for investors who want to hedge against potential volatility elsewhere in the index.

The ASX dividend stock is able to offer a consistent and reliable passive income to investors too. In fact, its dividend payout ratio is close to 100% of its earnings. 

Telstra pays investors two dividends per year. Last month, investors were paid an interim dividend of 10.5 cents, 90.48% franked. Telstra has forecast to pay a 20-cent dividend for FY26.

For FY25 the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share. At the time of writing that translates to a dividend yield of around 3.89%.

The post 2 defensive ASX dividend stocks for reliable income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why now could be the perfect time to buy ASX dividend stocks
• Is Telstra stock a buy at $5.37 a share?
• 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio
• 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years

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

When it comes to retirement, most Australians aren’t aiming to be rich, they simply want to be comfortable.

That means having the freedom to enjoy life. Think regular meals out, the occasional holiday, private health insurance, and the ability to run the air conditioning without worrying about the bill.

But there’s a clear financial line between that lifestyle and something far more restricted.

And in 2026, that line has quietly shifted.

What does comfortable actually mean?

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Retirement Standard is widely considered the benchmark for retirement planning.

It breaks retirement into two broad categories:

• Comfortable retirement – a lifestyle that includes leisure activities, travel, quality healthcare, and financial flexibility
• Modest retirement – a more basic lifestyle, slightly above the Age Pension, with limited discretionary spending

The difference between the two isn’t just financial, it is lifestyle.

A comfortable retiree can replace household items when needed, travel domestically each year, and take an overseas trip occasionally. A modest retiree, by contrast, may need to carefully manage utility bills and limit social activities.

The superannuation balance that changes everything

According to the latest 2026 update from ASFA, the superannuation balance required to fund these lifestyles has increased meaningfully:

A comfortable retirement now needs $630,000 for a single and $730,000 for a couple.

While a modest retirement needs $110,000 for a single and $120,000 for a couple.

That’s a significant gap.

In simple terms, the difference between just getting by and living comfortably in retirement is now over $500,000.

Why the gap matters more than ever

What stands out isn’t just the size of the numbers, it is how much they’ve risen.

ASFA updated these figures in 2026 to reflect inflation and rising living costs, highlighting a key reality: retirement is getting more expensive.

And that creates a growing divide.

Those with balances closer to the modest threshold may still get by, largely supported by the Age Pension. But they’ll likely face trade-offs. This may mean fewer holidays, tighter budgets, and less flexibility.

Those who reach the comfortable threshold, however, gain something far more valuable than money: choice.

So where do most Australians sit?

That’s the uncomfortable question. For many single Australians approaching retirement, superannuation balances are still well below the comfortable benchmark.

That doesn’t mean retirement is out of reach, but it does mean expectations may need to be adjusted unless action is taken early.

How to bridge the gap

The good news? Even small changes can have a big impact over time.

Australians could make extra contributions. Even modest top-ups can compound significantly over time. They could also review investment options, consolidate accounts, and stay invested longer. A few extra working years can dramatically improve outcomes

Most importantly, understanding where you stand today is key. Once you know that, you can start closing the gap.

The post The superannuation balance that separates comfort from compromise in 2026 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 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.