Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is undoubtedly one of the highest-quality banks in the world.

But even the best stocks can become too expensive to buy. And that’s what most brokers believe has happened with CBA shares.

But don’t worry, because there are other ASX financial stocks that could deliver big returns.

Which ASX financial stock?

Bell Potter thinks that COG Financial Services Ltd (ASX: COG) could be seriously undervalued at current levels.

It is a diversified conglomerate of distribution businesses providing access to credit providers for yellow commercial goods. This is delivered through a nationwide broker network.

In addition, Bell Potter highlights that the company has some balance sheet funded direct originations, with a focus on capturing some of the overflow for non-prime chattel mortgages.

Bell Potter has been looking at monthly automotive data and ahead to the Federal Budget and appears to believe there are positives for this ASX financial stock. It said:

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries have continued to firm and demonstrate growth, counter to the broader market. Feb’26 penetration reached a record 12.2% and volumes grew +92% YoY, with established brands extending their lead, while smaller players gained relevance. Growth is being driven by contributions from the Sealion 7 (medium SUV), Zeekr 7X (medium SUV), and Atto 2 (small SUV), with around one-in-two electric vehicle sales occurring via the novated leasing channel.

An inaugural report showed two thirds of suppliers outperformed their emissions targets. Commercial costs will crystallise in 2028; brands have a similar window each year to offset and manage the liability. A $61m interim liability was recorded for the 2025 performance period, which penalises high-volume players and light commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicles comprised 71% of volumes, with an average carbon emission of 114g/km. The 141g/km benchmark tightens to 117g/km this year, mounting pressure on Hyundai and Mazda, with current potential penalties of $4m and $25m. More demand stimulus from cleaner vehicles will be required to generate saleable offsets, and supply customer wants, without passing on cost.

It believes this supports its view that the company is positioned for strong earnings growth in the coming years.

Big potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $2.30 price target on the ASX financial stock.

Based on its current share price of $1.35, this implies potential upside of 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, Bell Potter expects a much more generous dividend yield than what CBA shares offer. It is forecasting a 5.3% yield over the 12 months, which boosts the total potential return to 75%.

The broker concludes:

Our earnings and Buy rating is unchanged. We would like to see a strategy for the lending business articulated. Data and contract wins confirm our compound growth of +9%, with upside from acquisitions, realised cost synergies and further M&A potential.

The post Forget CBA shares, Bell Potter says this ASX financial stock could deliver a 75% return 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.

Investors endured a rough start to the trading week this Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continuing to suffer from the selling momentum that we saw at the back end of last week.

After initially plunging almost 2% this morning, the ASX 200 pared back those losses and ended up closing 0.74% lower today. That loss leaves the index at 8,365.9 points.

This coldwater start to the trading week for Australian investors comes after a tough end to the American trading week on Saturday morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was hit hard, falling by a horrid 0.96%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was hit even harder, dropping 2.01%.

But let’s get back to this week and the local markets now with a look at how the various ASX sectors handled today’s trading conditions.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Life360, Lovisa, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group, Eagers Automotive Ltd, Lovisa, Premier Investments, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR) share price is in focus today after announcing a quarterly distribution of 6.35 cents per unit, payable in late May.

What did Charter Hall Retail REIT report?

• Quarterly distribution of 6.35 cents per unit, unfranked
• Record date for entitlement: 31 March 2026
• Ex-dividend date: 30 March 2026
• Payment date: 29 May 2026
• Distribution relates to the quarter ending 31 March 2026
• Distribution will be paid in Australian dollars

What else do investors need to know?

Charter Hall Retail REIT’s latest quarterly distribution remains fully unfranked, in line with previous announcements. Securityholders on the register by 31 March 2026 will be eligible for the payment.

The REIT continues to offer a Dividend/Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP), allowing eligible investors to reinvest their distributions into additional units. No foreign income component is included in this distribution.

What’s next for Charter Hall Retail REIT?

Investors can expect to receive the distribution payment on 29 May 2026, with the ex-dividend date set for 30 March 2026. The management team remains focused on delivering consistent distributions and managing the retail property portfolio for stable long-term returns.

The REIT will likely provide its next financial update following the end of the financial year, and investors may wish to keep an eye on property market trends and leasing activity.

Charter Hall Retail REIT share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Charter Hall Retail REIT shares have risen 7%, slightly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Charter Hall Retail REIT reveals March 2026 distribution details appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Charter Hall Retail REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are crashing today after a sharp pullback from recent highs.

At the time of writing, the EOS share price is down 8.18% to $9.09. This leaves the stock down around 22% over the past week after hitting an all-time high of $11.80 on 13 March.

Let’s unpack what has driven this volatility, and whether EOS shares can move higher again.

Strong rally driven by defence demand

The recent surge in EOS shares has been driven by increased demand for counter-drone technology.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising global tensions have highlighted the growing use of low-cost drones in modern warfare. This has pushed governments to lift spending on systems designed to detect and neutralise these threats.

EOS develops counter-drone systems and high-energy laser technology, which are attracting more attention as defence priorities shift.

Recent contract wins, including a US$45 million order for its slinger system, highlight this demand. Management also noted that current conditions could support further opportunities.

At the same time, global defence spending is also increasing as geopolitical risks rise.

Profit-taking and insider selling weigh on sentiment

However, conditions have shifted quickly.

The recent decline follows a sharp run-up in the share price, with some investors locking in gains after the move to record highs.

In addition, a recent update confirmed that CEO Dr Andreas Schwer sold 1.5 million shares following the exercise of options.

While he still holds a sizeable position, insider selling can weigh on the stock in the short term.

Together, these factors have contributed to the pullback in EOS shares over the past week.

What could drive the next move?

Looking ahead, EOS remains tied to defence spending trends and its ability to convert its growing order book into revenue.

The company has indicated that recent contracts could support production activity over the next two years. Continued contract wins or further expansion of its pipeline may help support sentiment.

At the same time, the share price has shown it can move quickly in both directions. After a rapid rise to record levels, the recent pullback highlights how sensitive the stock can be to wild swings.

For EOS shares to break to new highs again, investors will be watching for further contract announcements and the potential US$80 million Goldrone deal.

While the stock remains well above levels seen earlier in March, recent volatility shows how quickly the share price can move.

EOS will be one stock to watch closely in the coming weeks.

The post Can EOS shares break a new all-time high again? 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 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.

It’s never comfortable buying something after it has fallen sharply.

But that’s often when I start paying the most attention.

The Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND) is down over 20% over the past 12 months, with most of that decline happening recently. That has pushed it toward 52-week lows and raised an important question.

Is this a warning sign, or an opportunity to buy quality at a better price?

What you’re actually buying

One thing I always like to do with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is look under the hood.

IIND isn’t just broad exposure to India. It focuses on higher-quality companies, which is an important distinction.

Its top holdings include Bharti Airtel, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys Ltd (NYSE: INFY), Vedanta, and ICICI Bank Ltd (NYSE: IBN).

That’s a mix of telecommunications, consumer goods, financials, industrials, and technology.

What I like about this is that it reflects a broadening Indian economy. It’s not just one theme driving growth, but multiple sectors evolving at the same time.

The AI risk is real

That said, there is a genuine risk emerging that investors shouldn’t ignore.

According to the Financial Times, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are starting to raise concerns about India’s outsourcing industry, particularly the repetitive, lower-end work that has historically been a major part of the sector.

The article notes that “agentic tools are coming for the repetitive work that was once their bread and butter” and highlights fears that clients may increasingly rely on AI rather than outsourcing providers.

There is also growing uncertainty about whether companies will continue to rely on Indian IT services firms or instead build their own AI capabilities internally.

That’s important, because companies like Infosys, one of the IIND ETF’s holdings, sit right in the middle of this shift.

Why I still think it makes sense

Even with those concerns, I don’t think the investment case falls apart.

India’s growth story is much bigger than outsourcing.

The economy is being driven by rising consumption, infrastructure development, financial services expansion, and a growing middle class. Many of the Betashares India Quality ETF’s holdings are tied to these domestic trends, not just global outsourcing demand.

There’s also an argument that India adapts rather than falls behind.

The same Financial Times piece points out that while lower-end jobs may be at risk, higher-skilled roles and “global capability centres” are expanding, with multinational companies continuing to invest in India’s talent base.

So the nature of growth may change, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it disappears.

The valuation is more appealing now

The recent pullback is what really gets my attention.

A 20% decline doesn’t automatically make something cheap, but it does change the starting point.

You’re no longer buying into peak optimism. Expectations have come down, and that can improve long-term return potential if the underlying growth story continues.

For me, this looks like another case where sentiment has weakened faster than the long-term fundamentals.

A long-term and balanced approach

This isn’t something I’d expect to rebound quickly.

Emerging markets can be volatile, and themes like AI disruption can take time to play out.

I’d see the Betashares India Quality ETF as a long-term position and one part of a broader portfolio, rather than a standalone bet.

Pairing it with developed market ETFs and Australian shares can help balance out that volatility.

Foolish takeaway

The Betashares India Quality ETF has fallen to 52-week lows, and there are valid concerns around how AI could reshape parts of India’s economy.

But the broader growth story remains intact in my view, and the recent pullback has made the entry point more interesting.

For patient investors, I think it makes sense to consider buying at these levels, as long as it’s done as part of a diversified, long-term portfolio.

The post Does it make sense for me to buy this ASX ETF near 52-week lows? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

With the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enduring a brutal month so far this March, investors are understandably looking for ways to protect their portfolios. One sector that keeps surfacing in those discussions is energy. ASX oil stocks have had a strong run lately, buoyed by surging crude prices amid the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East. But does that actually make oil stocks a reliable shield for one’s portfolio if the broader market continues to slide?

It’s a question worthy of careful consideration before you pile in.

The logic behind owning oil stocks during a time like this isn’t unreasonable. Energy is a genuine necessity. Economies run on oil and gas regardless of what stocks markets happen to be doing. On top of that, the US-Iran war is pushing oil prices, and therefore ASX oil stocks, higher while other corners of the markets are getting hammered.

Energy shares surge as markets drop

As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, it is clear that the world is on the cusp of a severe energy crisis. So, it makes sense that many investors might assume that companies that own huge reserves of oil and gas are a safe harbour to park their capital in right now.

We’ve already seen massive gains in the ASX’s energy sector. Our largest listed energy stock, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), has risen by more than 27% over the past month. Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) is up 18.7%, while Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) has leapt 16.85%. One of the most lucrative investments has been the BetaShares Crude Oil Index Complex ETF (ASX: OOO). This exchange-traded fund (ETF) has rocketed 56% since this time last month.

Given that the ASX 200 has fallen by a nasty 7.44% over the same period, it is obvious that these stocks have indeed protected many investors’ portfolios from this downturn.

But what about the future?

Is it too late to buy ASX oil stocks?

Well, I can’t give you a definitive answer on that. There is arguably a good chance that ASX oil stocks will continue to outperform the broader market for as long as this energy crisis lasts.

But there are a few caveats to keep in mind before you rush out and buy Woodside, Beach or Santos shares. Firstly, prolonged energy shocks have often caused recessions in the past, most notably during the 1970s and ’80s. Global recessions typically see demand for energy fall off a cliff, and prices with it. If energy prices end up collapsing thanks to a global downturn, the share prices of ASX oil stocks will not be safe. To illustrate, Woodside shares lost more than 50% of their value between May and December of 2008.

Energy stocks are not recession proof companies, or even recession resistant. Indeed, past energy shocks have only been balanced out by demand collapsing. Now, I don’t know if that’s what’s in store in 2026. But history tells us it is a possibility that cannot be discounted.

Zooming out though, I think investors are better off not even trying to play these games. As Warren Buffett says, “If you aren’t thinking about owning a stock for ten years, don’t even think about owning it for ten minutes”. The best companies survive the bad times and thrive during the good. If investors focus on finding those companies instead of trying to time the perfect oil stock trade, they will probably be better off when this crisis is in the rear-view mirror.

The post Will ASX oil stocks protect your portfolio from a market crash in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

If there’s one thing I’ve always loved about investing in ASX dividend shares, it’s the quality of franked dividend income that some of its biggest names can deliver for investors. Thanks perhaps to our unique system of franking, most blue chip ASX shares pay out hefty dividends on a relatively consistent basis.

Right now, there are a few recognisable names are sitting on dividend yields well north of 3%. Let’s take a look at three of them to kick off the week’s trading.

Three ASX dividend shares offering yield over 3% today

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is a stock that will inevitably come up in most dividend discussions on the ASX. This company is bound to come up in any serious conversation about ASX income investing. Australia’s dominant telco has long enjoyed a wide economic moat, built on its vast and formidable network infrastructure that underpins both mobile and fixed-line services. That structural advantage has translated into decades of relatively dependable dividends for shareholders.

At the time of writing, Telstra shares were trading at $5.29, putting the stock on a trailing dividend yield of 3.78%. The telco has lifted its annual dividend every year since 2021, which speaks to the underlying resilience of the business. There is one wrinkle worth noting though. Telstra’s most recent interim dividend came only partially franked at 90.5%, ending a near-30-year streak of full franking credits. Whether that becomes the new normal is something to watch carefully.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Our next ASX dividend share worth checking out is Coles Group. Coles is a business that sells Australians the food and everyday essentials they need, regardless of what the economy is doing. Recessions come and go. Interest rates rise and fall. But Australians will always need groceries, and Coles’ vast national supermarket network ensures it captures a substantial share of those dollars year in, year out. This inherent defensiveness makes Coles a strong contender for a dividend income portfolio.

The company recently reported earnings growth of more than 10% for its latest half, which is a reassuring sign that the dividend is well-supported. At the time of writing, Coles shares are trading at $21.62 apiece. That gives this grocer a trailing fully-franked yield of 3.38%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Last but certainly not least, we have BHP. At the time of writing, BHP shares are trading at $46.84. At this pricing, the ‘Big Australian’ is sitting on a trailing yield of 4.18%. Now, BHP is a different beast to Telstra and Coles when it comes to dividends. BHP’s payouts are tied to commodity prices, particularly iron ore and copper. Those prices can swing dramatically from month to month.

But for investors who understand and accept that cyclicality, BHP offers something genuinely compelling. The scale, the balance sheet strength, and the long-term commodity tailwinds around copper amid the global energy transition all give me confidence that BHP can keep the income flowing for years to come. It’s not a set-and-forget ASX dividend share in the same way as Coles or Telstra. However, at this 4%-plus yield, BHP is arguably hard to look past.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares with yields over 3% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) share price is heading south on Monday, slipping to a fresh 52-week low.

At the time of writing, Goodman shares are down 1.26% to $25.18. Earlier in the session, the stock fell as low as $24.56, marking its lowest level since February 2023.

The decline means Goodman shares are now down around 19% in 2026.

Selling pressure pushes shares to multi-year lows

The recent move lower continues a clear downtrend that has been building over the past year.

Goodman shares have been making lower highs and lower lows, which is typically a sign that sellers remain in control. The break below the $25 level is notable, as this had previously acted as a support zone.

Momentum indicators also remain weak. The relative strength index (RSI) has been sitting in the lower range, suggesting limited buying interest. At the same time, the price is tracking near the lower Bollinger Band, reflecting sustained downward pressure rather than a short-term dip.

Unless the stock can reclaim previous support levels, the trend may remain under pressure in the near term.

Interest rates and property cycle remain key factors

One of the biggest influences on Goodman’s share price is the interest rate outlook.

As a global industrial property group, Goodman is exposed to funding costs and asset valuations. Higher interest rates can weigh on both, making future developments less attractive and compressing valuation multiples.

Recent market expectations indicate that rate cuts may take longer than previously hoped. This has weighed on real estate stocks across the sector, including Goodman.

There are also broader concerns around the property cycle. Slower development activity and more cautious capital deployment across the sector are likely to impact near-term earnings growth.

Long-term position still strong

Despite the recent weakness, Goodman’s core business remains unchanged.

The company continues to focus on logistics facilities and data centres across major global cities. These assets are tied to long-term trends such as e-commerce growth, supply chain modernisation, and rising demand for data infrastructure.

Data centres are now a significant part of Goodman’s development pipeline, reflecting strong demand from cloud providers and artificial intelligence workloads.

The company also benefits from high-quality locations and long-term customer relationships, which have previously supported occupancy and rental growth.

Foolish Takeaway

Goodman shares are clearly under pressure, with the stock now trading at multi-year lows and down around 19% this year.

In the short term, interest rates and market sentiment are likely to remain key drivers.

However, the company’s exposure to logistics and data infrastructure continues to support its longer-term outlook.

The post Goodman shares hit 52-week low. Can this ASX 200 stock make a comeback? 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 Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stocks are pushing higher on Monday, with both hitting fresh highs as momentum builds across the sector.

Strong gains in oil and coal prices are continuing to support the move, with energy shares among the standout performers in 2026.

Let’s take a closer look at which stocks are hitting highs right now.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is up 0.97% to $34.37 at the time of writing.

Earlier in the session, the energy giant’s shares reached $34.60, marking a multi-year high. The last time the stock traded at these levels was in October 2023.

The rally means Woodside shares are now up approximately 45% in 2026, making them one of the best performers on the ASX 200 this year.

Recent strength in oil prices has been a key driver. Brent crude has surged above US$112 per barrel amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, tightening supply expectations and lifting sentiment across the sector.

At the same time, Woodside has been returning a large portion of its cash flow to shareholders. Its dividend payout ratio targets 50% to 80% of underlying net profit.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

Yancoal shares are also pushing higher today.

The coal producer’s share price is up 3.85% to $8.63, after hitting an intraday high of $8.70 earlier in the session. This marks the highest level for the stock since mid-2017.

Yancoal has now surged approximately 74% in 2026, making it also one of the standout stocks on the ASX 200 this year.

Coal prices have remained firm due to ongoing supply constraints and strong demand, particularly across Asian markets. This has supported earnings expectations across the sector.

The company operates a portfolio of thermal and metallurgical coal assets across New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Yancoal has also been returning significant cash to shareholders. In recent periods, it has delivered large dividends supported by strong earnings and cash flow.

What is driving the sector?

Energy stocks have been leading the market in recent weeks, supported by a lift in underlying commodity prices.

Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have pushed oil prices significantly higher. At the same time, supply risks and steady demand have supported coal prices.

This combination has lifted earnings expectations across the energy sector, helping drive share prices higher and improve investor sentiment.

While commodity prices can be volatile, current conditions are providing a clear tailwind, with strong pricing continuing to support recent gains.

The post These two ASX 200 stocks are hitting fresh 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market for a third week
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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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 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.

Once you reach age 60, retirement should be high on the agenda. By age 70, most Australians have already retired or are approaching the final few years of their working life. It’s this 60 to 70 age bracket when your superannuation balance is more important than ever.

By this age, you should already have, or be close to the superannuation balance you need for the retirement lifestyle you want.

The problem is, it’s sometimes difficult to work out exactly what that is. Here’s a breakdown of the average superannuation balance for Aussies the same age. How does yours measure up?

What is the average superannuation balance at age 60 in Australia?

According to the Association of Superfunds of Australia (ASFA) data, the average superannuation for men aged 60-64 is $395,852 and for women it is $313,360.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 70 in Australia?

ASFA data also shows that the average superannuation for men aged 70-74 is $510,785 and for women it is $449,540.

How much superannuation do I need to retire?

If your superannuation balance is on track with the rest of the population, that’s great news. But it still might mean you have enough to live the retirement lifestyle you want. 

According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, the benchmark for a comfortable retirement has just climbed higher. Australians now need $54,840 a year, or $77,375 a year for a couple.

A comfortable retirement includes top level private health insurance and enough money for an occasional holiday, meals out or home repairs. This assumes you already own your home outright.

For a comfortable retirement your superannuation balance at age 60 should be close to $496,500. By age 67, this should be closer to $630,000 for a single and $730,000 for a couple.

But there are also other lifestyle options.

Australians who are happy with a modest lifestyle, where you have basic health insurance, money for essential bills, and leisure activities or holidays are infrequent or non-existent, need a little less. A modest lifestyle is estimated to cost around $35,503 for singles and $51,299 for couples. To fund this, by age 67 you’d need $110,000 in superannuation as a single or $120,000 as a couple.

Then if you’re still renting in retirement, you can expect the same modest lifestyle level but for a much higher $50,055 or $67,639 per year for singles and couples respectively. To fund this a single person would need $340,000 in their superannuation by age 67, and a couple would need $385,000.

Top tips to boost your superannuation in the years before retirement

If you haven’t got enough in your superannuation for the lifestyle that you want, there are a few last-minute things you can do to boost your savings before it’s too late.

You can delay retirement and continue working (even part-time) for a few more years. Even 3-5 years would hike your superannuation balance and also give your investments more time to grow.

If possible, make additional contributions wherever you can. From concessional contributions to spouse contributions, any additional funds will increase your superannuation balance and can improve your retirement lifestyle.

It’s also vital at any age to maximise what you already have saved. Make sure your fund outperforms benchmark indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and suits your personal risk profile. High costs or underperforming funds can materially impact your balance at retirement age.

The post This is the average superannuation balance at ages 60 and 70 in 2026 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.