With just a few days left until the end of FY26, investors have their final chance to snap up ASX 200 shares with high-growth potential for the year ahead.

Here are four of my top ASX 200 picks, and they’re all tipped to climb higher over the next 12 months.

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

Tech-based gaming company Light & Wonder’s share price climbed to an all-time high in early 2026. But they then crashed by 44% by early May after a disappointing FY25 result and a mixed first-quarter FY26 result.

The ASX 200 gaming company’s share price has rebounded by around 20% since then, but it has barely made a dent in the losses suffered earlier in the year. Light & Wonder has been reshaping its business in recent years, focusing on recurring revenue and earnings improvement. If execution continues improving, it could continue to build value over the long term.

Brokers are bullish and unanimously rate the ASX 200 shares as a strong buy. They expect a 59% upside to $192.75 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The Mexican-themed fast-food restaurant chain’s shares hit a historic low in early April but have since rebounded by around 24%.

After multiple headwinds and sombre sentiment so far this year, Guzman Y Gomez shares look like they have finally changed course. The latest rebound comes on the back of news that the company closed its struggling US stores in late May. Instead, it plans to focus its business expansion on Asia and Australia. Its long-term goals remain intact, including plans to reach 1,000 restaurants in Australia and improve network EBITDA.

The majority of brokers rate the ASX 200 shares as a strong buy. They tip a 24% upside to an average $23.37 target price, at the time of writing.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The ASX 200 tech stock has been in the spotlight in late June after media reports alleged that the Australian Federal Police is investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters. The company responded, saying that the investigation relates to White in a personal capacity and said that there is no suggestion of an alleged investigation into the company itself. But investors have still rushed for the exits. It’s the latest of a long line of headwinds for the company over the past 12 months.

Nevertheless, I think WiseTech has a strong competitive advantage in the global logistics industry. I also think the company’s future hinges on its FY26 results. If it manages to reach or exceed its upgraded guidance, I think we’ll see a turnaround in investor sentiment.

Brokers are bullish, and most hold a strong buy rating. The average $72.39 target price implies a potential 152% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The ASX 200 gold miner has faced headwinds from higher mining costs and softer gold prices, and it’s caused significant volatility in its share price so far in 2026. Investor sentiment has also dropped, and many have rushed to sell up their shares and rotate into larger, more stable assets instead.

However, the miner has posted record-breaking production results this year and raised its production guidance for FY26. The ASX 200 gold miner forecasts production of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces of gold, which implies production up to 63% higher than FY25.

Gold prices are forecast to rebound this year, which could hike the value of high-performing gold miners like West African Resources.

Brokers unanimously rate the ASX 200 gold miner’s shares as a strong buy. The average $5.89 target price implies a potential 86% upside at the time of writing.

The post 4 ASX 200 shares I’d buy before the end of June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• Down almost 75%, are WiseTech shares really cheap?
• Is the tech recovery finally here for Xero and Wisetech shares?

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have been incredibly choppy throughout the first six months of the year.

The banking giant’s share price has swung wildly between $147.22 and $183.52 per share as it has endured multiple headwinds from rising inflation, higher interest rates, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a reversal in investor confidence.

Analysts are pretty bearish about CBA’s outlook, too. In fact, many have considered the banking giant’s shares significantly overvalued relative to its peers for some time now. 

TradingView data shows that 14 of 16 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on CBA shares. The other two have a hold rating.

The average $126.36 target price implies a potential 23% downside ahead, at the time of writing. But some think the shares could crash up to 45% to as little as $90 each.

If analyst predictions are anything to go by, we can assume that the peak has passed for CBA shares.

It’s not all about share price gains and losses, though. CBA is also a popular choice for income-seeking investors.

Here’s why.

CBA shares offer investors a great passive income opportunity

CBA is a cyclical stock, but has the added nuance of offering some strong defensive qualities. The banking giant is huge in scale and dominates the ASX banking sector. 

At the time of writing, CBA is the largest bank listed on the ASX with a market capitalisation of around $278 billion. It is also the second-largest company listed overall, second only to BHP Group. 

This market dominance means CBA can be more resistant in times of economic volatility versus some of its smaller mid-tier peers.

The scarcity of quality stocks on the ASX also means that worried investors sometimes place major companies like CBA on a pedestal. 

The bank is also often viewed as a safe haven when markets soften overall. This is regardless of whether the business fundamentals support any sustained growth. 

This is perhaps why CBA shares have remained relatively buoyant this year, despite broker analysis and forecasts of significant downside.

The advantage, of course, is that this buoyancy is fantastic news for investors earning a passive income from CBA shares.

What does CBA pay its shareholders?

CBA has a long history of paying regular fully-franked dividends twice per year alongside its financial results. 

And it pays its shareholders a good rate, too. 

It most recently paid a fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share in late-March.

Looking ahead, the bank is forecast to pay a total dividend of $5.15 per share to shareholders in FY26. It is then expected to pay around $5.45 per share in FY27.

At the time of writing, this translates to a forward dividend yield of around 3.1% for FY26. For FY27, the forward dividend yield is about 3.3%.

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

More reading

• Why US stocks have hit record highs while ASX shares have barely risen in 2026
• Want a pay rise? These ASX dividend shares keep delivering
• How much passive income can I make from ASX shares?
• Why this fundie is overweight CSL and underweight CBA shares
• 3 ASX blue chip shares to buy and hold for the next 20 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 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.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is not the kind of ASX share that usually gets investors excited.

Some businesses are built around disruption, new products, and big swings in expectations. Telstra is built around something more basic: keeping people connected. For investors heading into the new financial year, I think that simplicity could be attractive.

More than a phone company

Telstra’s core strength is that its services sit inside everyday life.

Mobile connectivity now touches almost everything. People use it for banking, work, maps, security, entertainment, shopping, travel, messaging, and managing households. Businesses use it to process payments, communicate with customers, support staff, connect devices, and keep operations moving.

That gives Telstra a level of relevance that is easy to take for granted.

I also think the mobile network remains the company’s strongest advantage. Network quality can still influence customer decisions, especially outside major city centres or among users who rely heavily on their phones. Telstra has spent years building scale, coverage, and brand trust in this part of the market.

That does not make the business exciting in a fast-growth sense. But it does give Telstra a role that can remain valuable through different economic conditions.

Income with a steadier profile

Another attraction is income. Telstra has become a cleaner dividend story over recent years, and I think that can make it useful for investors who want dependable cash flow without taking on the same level of cyclicality as miners or discretionary retailers.

The company is still exposed to competition, regulation, capital spending, and customer price sensitivity. But telecommunications is a service people usually keep paying for, even when household budgets are stretched.

That resilience can be useful in an income portfolio.

Why I’d consider buying

For me, the investment case comes down to usefulness.

Telstra does not need to reinvent daily life to be valuable. It needs to keep providing the infrastructure and services that daily life increasingly relies on.

There is also something attractive about owning a business that can quietly compound through pricing discipline, customer retention, network leadership, and disciplined investment.

There are risks to consider. Mobile competition can increase quickly, and capital expenditure is part of the industry. But I think Telstra’s scale gives it a strong starting point.

Foolish takeaway

Telstra will rarely be the loudest growth story on the ASX.

Yet I think it can still be a worthwhile share to own heading into FY27. The business sits inside a service people use constantly, has a leading mobile position, and offers a dividend profile that many investors may find appealing.

In a market where some shares need a lot to go right, Telstra’s appeal is much simpler. It provides something essential, keeps investing in its network, and gives shareholders exposure to a steady stream of cash flow. That can be more powerful than it first sounds.

The post Why Telstra shares could be a top ASX buy for the new financial year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares I’d buy and hold for my kids
• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• 3 ASX stocks that should be in every retirement portfolio 
• Here’s what brokers tip for Telstra shares over the next 12 months
• Want passive income? These 3 ASX dividend stocks could deliver

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

A $100,000 portfolio deserves a proper plan. But what if you don’t like picking stocks?

Well, the good news is that there is another way.

With a small number of ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs), it is possible to build a balanced portfolio which offers exposure to global markets, long-term growth themes, and defensive consumer spending.

Here is one way to think about it.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be used as the growth engine of the portfolio.

This fund gives investors exposure to the Nasdaq 100, which is home to many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation-led companies.

Rather than trying to pick the next winner in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, chips, digital advertising, or consumer technology, this ETF gives investors a broad slice of the companies already shaping those areas.

It is a higher-growth option and will likely come with more volatility than a broad global market fund.

But that volatility is the price investors often pay for exposure to companies with large addressable markets, powerful platforms, and the ability to scale across the world.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could sit at the centre of the portfolio.

This fund gives investors exposure to a large basket of companies listed across developed markets outside Australia.

That can include businesses from the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and other major markets.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF helps spread money across many countries, sectors, currencies, and companies. It gives investors access to global healthcare, financials, industrials, consumer goods, technology, and other parts of the international share market.

That makes it useful as the core holding. After all, a portfolio built only around the Australian share market can end up heavily exposed to banks, miners, supermarkets, and a small group of large local companies.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Finally, the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF could add a defensive layer to the portfolio.

This fund invests in global consumer staples companies. These are businesses selling products people keep buying through different economic conditions, such as food, beverages, household goods, personal care products, and other everyday essentials.

It is tied less to excitement and more to repeat demand. People may cut back in difficult times, but they still buy groceries, toothpaste, cleaning products, packaged food, and basic household items.

A fund like this can help balance a portfolio that already has exposure to technology and broader global markets.

It will still move with share markets, but its underlying companies tend to be linked to steadier spending habits than many growth sectors.

Constructing this ASX ETF portfolio

One possible $100,000 portfolio with these funds could look like this.

$40,000 in the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF for strong growth potential, $30,000 in Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF for broad global exposure, and $30,000 in the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF for defensive consumer staples exposure

That mix gives investors a global core, a technology-led growth engine, and exposure to everyday consumer spending.

The post How to build a $100,000 ASX ETF portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Chasing early retirement at 55? These ASX shares and ETFs could help
• Why US stocks have hit record highs while ASX shares have barely risen in 2026
• How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
• The retirement ETF portfolio I’d add to super
• 3 ASX stocks that should be in every retirement portfolio 

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

It was a busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to a number of broker notes being released.

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:

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $39.25 price target on this banking giant’s shares. The broker thinks proposed changes to negative gearing could have a big (and negative) impact on mortgage lending in the near term. In fact, Citi expects mortgage credit growth to slow to just 3.5% from 7%. However, the good news is that the broker believes business lending will be robust, especially given AI-related project investments. Citi thinks this bodes well for ANZ due to its extensive business banking division. The ANZ share price ended the week at $35.04.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this small business lender’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $1.47. The broker acknowledges that Judo Capital downgraded its earnings guidance for FY 2026. While this was a letdown, the biggest disappointment for Morgans was the company’s guidance for FY 2027. It notes that this guidance fell well short of consensus estimates for next year. Nevertheless, the broker thinks the doom and gloom and vicious selloff were an overreaction. Morgans highlights that Judo Capital’s shares are now trading at under 7x FY 2027 earnings. This is despite its guidance pointing to 30% earnings growth across both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Morgans suspects that the market has now priced in a significant risk premium or probability of failure. The Judo Capital share price was fetching 88 cents at Friday’s close.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Analysts at Ord Minnett have retained their buy rating on this logistics software company’s shares with a reduced price target of $60.00. According to the note, Ord Minnett believes the company could be struggling to convert customers to its new pricing model. It suspects that customers are not in a rush to switch to the new model and could be waiting until the end of their contracts before doing so. As a result, it has downgraded its revenue assumptions meaningfully to reflect this. Nevertheless, Ord Minnett remains positive and sees significant value in its shares at current levels, even after cutting its valuation. The WiseTech Global share price ended the week at $31.55.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Beach Energy, Flight Centre, and Judo Capital shares
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
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• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• What on earth’s going on with Judo Capital shares?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX dividend stock Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) could be one of the best opportunities for Australians right now.

The real estate investment trust (REIT) may not be as famous as names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). But, in some ways, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT could be more appealing.

For a few different reasons, I think it’s a better buy for the foreseeable future.

Strong dividend yield

I think the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT dividend yield is very attractive compared to many other ASX dividend stock options.

It’s able to deliver such a good dividend yield because it pays out 100% of its operating rental profit each year, making it a very rewarding holding for passive income.

The business can still experience profit and distribution growth while paying out 100% of its operating profit due to contracted rent increases with its tenants.

It increased its FY26 annual payout by 2% to 25.5 cents per security. That translates into a forward distribution yield of 6.7%, at the time of writing. To me, that’s a much more appealing yield than what CBA or BHP have to offer.

Diversification

One of the best things about this ASX dividend stock is its highly diversified portfolio across multiple property sectors. I like that strategy because it reduces the risk of being overly exposed to one area while also giving it the largest investment hunting ground to find the best opportunities.

The business is invested in a number of defensive tenant industries, including government tenants (such as Geoscience Australia), pubs and hotels, grocery and distribution, telecommunications exchanges, data centres, service stations, food manufacturing, waste and recycling management, and so on.

In terms of tenants, some of its key tenants include government tenants, Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), BP, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), Westpac Banking Corp(ASX: WES) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Long-term rental income

What links all of the properties in the portfolio together is that they have long-term rental agreements with tenants. As of December 2025, it had a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of more than nine years.

That means it has close to a decade of rental income already signed with tenants, giving the business compelling security for its future distributions.

Its rental income is steadily growing, with the rent either rising at a fixed rate annually or linked to inflation. With that rental income tailwind, the business has a compelling future, barring the short-term headwind of rising interest rates.

It looks like great value to me after reporting net tangible assets (NTA) of $4.68 per security at 31 December 2025, which means it’s trading at a 19% discount to this.

The post Is this the best ASX dividend stock to buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Superannuation balances can vary enormously from person to person, depending on income, career breaks, investment choices, and extra contributions.

But averages still give us a useful guide.

Looking at ages 45, 55, and 65 shows how super can build through the later stages of working life, and whether Australians are getting closer to the level needed for retirement.

How do you compare to the average? Let’s find out.

First, what is the end goal?

Before looking at the averages, it helps to understand what those balances are supposed to fund.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a comfortable retirement requires around $630,000 in super for a single person and $730,000 for a couple. This assumes the retiree owns their home outright and receives some Age Pension support over time.

A comfortable retirement is not about living extravagantly. It is about having enough money for private health insurance, a reliable car, regular leisure activities, household repairs, domestic travel, and the occasional overseas trip.

A modest retirement requires far less, at around $110,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples. But this lifestyle is much more constrained and relies heavily on the Age Pension.

With that in mind, the average balances at 45, 55, and 65, according to recent data, tell an interesting story.

The average superannuation balance at 45

At age 45, the average Australian woman is likely to have approximately $130,000 in superannuation, while the average Australian man is likely to have around $170,000.

This is the stage where super starts to become more noticeable. The balance is no longer insignificant, but it may still feel a long way short of what is needed for retirement.

That is completely normal. At 45, most people still have two decades or more before Age Pension age. The priority is not whether the balance is enough today, because it almost certainly is not. The priority is whether the account is set up to keep growing.

This is often a good age to review investment options, check fees, consolidate any old accounts, and consider whether extra contributions are possible.

The average super balance at 55

By age 55, the numbers have usually moved materially higher.

The average Australian woman is likely to have roughly $220,000 in super, while the average Australian man is likely to have about $290,000.

This is where retirement planning starts to feel more personal. The finish line is not right around the corner, but it is close enough that decisions begin to matter more.

For many Australians, the 50s can be a powerful decade for superannuation. Incomes may be higher, mortgage pressure may have eased, and compulsory employer contributions are being added to a larger balance.

The key point is that a balance at 55 is not the final result. There is still time for contributions and investment returns to make a meaningful difference.

The average super balance at 65

By age 65, superannuation is usually front and centre.

The average Australian woman is likely to have around $360,000 in superannuation, while the average Australian man is likely to have approximately $425,000.

For couples, combining two average balances can put retirement much closer to ASFA’s comfortable benchmark. For singles, the average balance is more likely to sit somewhere between modest and comfortable, depending on housing, spending needs, health, and access to other assets.

This is why averages need to be treated carefully. A homeowner with low expenses may feel comfortable on less than someone renting or carrying debt. Two people with the same super balance can have very different retirement experiences.

Foolish takeaway

The average super balance at 45 is likely to be around $130,000 for women and $170,000 for men. By 55, that rises to around $220,000 and $290,000. By 65, it increases again to roughly $360,000 and $425,000.

Those numbers are useful, but they are not the whole story.

What is important is not whether your balance matches the average. It is whether your super, combined with the Age Pension and any other assets, can support the retirement you actually want.

The post Here is the average Australian superannuation balance at ages 45, 55, and 65 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Transurban Group announces major North America project expansion
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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.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is one of those ASX shares that can look expensive for long periods.

That can make it easy to put in the too hard basket. But I think patient investors should keep paying attention to the business behind the share price.

Wesfarmers has a rare combination of scale, operating discipline, customer understanding, and balance sheet flexibility. Those qualities can be valuable across many years.

A culture of improvement

The reason I like Wesfarmers is not simply that it owns well-known retail businesses.

The more interesting point is how the company tends to operate them.

Wesfarmers has built a reputation for focusing on returns, productivity, supply chains, customer value, and sensible capital allocation. That culture can show up in small ways: better store layouts, sharper ranging, stronger digital tools, inventory discipline, supplier negotiations, and a willingness to keep refining what already works.

Those details may not sound meaningful, but over time, they can become a major advantage.

Retail is often won through execution rather than grand strategy. A business that keeps getting the basics right can defend margins, win repeat customers, and reinvest from a position of strength.

Optionality is part of the appeal

I also like the optionality inside Wesfarmers.

The company has never been just a passive owner of assets. It has shown a willingness to buy, build, improve, and occasionally exit when the opportunity set changes. That gives the company more ways to create value than a business locked into one narrow path.

That flexibility could be useful in FY27 and beyond.

Consumer conditions may remain uneven. Interest rates, housing turnover, and household budgets can affect parts of the company. But Wesfarmers has a long history of adjusting to changing conditions while keeping a firm eye on returns.

I think that adaptability deserves a premium.

Why I’d buy

The main challenge is valuation.

Wesfarmers is rarely priced like an unloved bargain. Investors often pay up for the company’s quality, and that can limit short-term upside when expectations are already high.

Even so, I think some businesses are worth watching closely because they can keep compounding through repeated improvements rather than one explosive growth event.

Wesfarmers fits that description for me. It has brands people know, operations that can keep improving, and management that has generally treated capital as something to be earned and redeployed carefully.

Foolish takeaway

Wesfarmers is the kind of ASX share I would be comfortable owning with a long time horizon.

The market often focuses on the valuation, and that is fair. But the reason I keep coming back to the business is its ability to adapt, reinvest, and improve.

The best long-term investments often look a little ordinary while they are working. Wesfarmers sells into everyday parts of the economy, but the discipline behind the scenes is what gives the company its edge. For patient investors, I think that remains a compelling reason to consider buying.

The post Why Wesfarmers shares still look like a top buy to me appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Chasing early retirement at 55? These ASX shares and ETFs could help
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
• 3 top ASX shares to buy for an SMSF

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. 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.

Retiring at 55 is an ambitious goal, but the right investment portfolio can make it far more achievable. For investors pursuing early retirement, the focus should be on owning high-quality assets capable of growing wealth over the long term while also providing some income along the way.

A mix of proven ASX shares and diversified ETFs can be a powerful combination. Here are five investments I’d consider for investors aiming to build wealth and potentially retire earlier than the traditional retirement age.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers has been one of Australia’s great long-term wealth creators.

The company owns a collection of market-leading businesses, including Bunnings Group, Kmart, Officeworks, and a growing portfolio of healthcare and industrial assets.

Its strength lies in diversification, strong management, and an ability to allocate capital effectively. Over decades, Wesfarmers has repeatedly reinvested profits into growth opportunities while delivering attractive shareholder returns.

For investors with a long time horizon and aiming for early retirement, those qualities can be extremely valuable.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group is another business that has consistently rewarded patient shareholders eying retirement at 55 or earlier.

Often described as Australia’s investment bank, Macquarie has built a global platform spanning infrastructure, asset management, renewable energy, commodities, and financial services.

One of its biggest strengths is its ability to identify emerging investment opportunities and scale them globally.

As infrastructure investment and the energy transition continue to expand worldwide, Macquarie remains well-positioned to benefit from long-term structural growth trends.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

This popular ASX ETF provides broad exposure to Australia’s largest listed companies.

The ETF holds leading businesses such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

For investors seeking simplicity, VAS offers instant diversification across the local share market while also providing exposure to Australia’s relatively strong dividend culture.

It can serve as a reliable core holding within a retirement-focused portfolio.

Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL)

Betashares Global Shares ETF helps retirement investors look beyond Australia’s borders.

The ETF owns hundreds of companies across developed markets, including many of the world’s largest and most successful businesses.

Its top holdings include Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL).

Global diversification can reduce reliance on the Australian economy and provide exposure to industries that are underrepresented on the ASX.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF adds a growth engine to the early retirement portfolio.

The ETF tracks many of the world’s leading technology and innovation businesses, including Microsoft, Apple, and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Technology has been one of the strongest long-term wealth creation themes globally. While NDQ can be more volatile than broader market ETFs, its exposure to innovation leaders offers significant long-term growth potential.

Foolish takeaway

For investors targeting early retirement, combining quality ASX shares such as Wesfarmers and Macquarie with diversified ETFs can create a portfolio capable of compounding wealth over many years.

While no investment guarantees early retirement, owning great businesses and broad market ETFs gives investors a strong foundation for pursuing that goal.

The post Chasing early retirement at 55? These ASX shares and ETFs could help appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Wesfarmers shares still look like a top buy to me
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
• 3 top ASX shares to buy for an SMSF

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) consumer discretionary shares led the 11 market sectors last week with a 3.61% gain.

Meanwhile, the ASX 200 Index drifted 0.73% lower to finish at 8,764.2 points on Friday.

Economic data released last week suggests the Reserve Bank (RBA) may keep interest rates on hold for a while.

Unemployment fell 0.1% to to 4.4% and annual inflation dropped 0.2% to 4% in May, according to the Bureau of Statistics.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) economist Ashwin Clarke said a 1.3% increase in household spending last month “surprised markets to the upside”.

Analysts are pricing in an 81% chance that the RBA will keep interest rates on hold at the next meeting on 11 August.

This is why ASX 200 retail shares outperformed their peers last week.

Let’s take a look at some individual company performances.

Consumer discretionary shares led the ASX sectors last week

The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price rose 5.81% to finish at $90.74 on Friday.

Shares in gaming technology company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) lifted 6.81% to $58.69.

The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) share price rose 1.26% to $5.63.

The JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) share price ascended 4.98% to $81.84 on Friday.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares increased 7.42% to $20.27.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares ripped 8.64% to $6.16.

The Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) share price rose 1.04% to $4.88.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares finished the week steady at $13.12.

ASX 200 travel share Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) managed a 0.52% lift to $11.99.

Shares in Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) rose 2.45% to $14.65.

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) shares rose 6.9% to close the week at 31 cents per share.

The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price inched 0.38% ahead to $31.43.

Not all ASX 200 retail shares followed the trend.

The Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) share price tumbled 13.68% to $110.78.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) shares dropped 4.5% to $21.43 apiece.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) shares eased 0.68% to $23.25.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	3.61%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	3.26%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	2.42%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	1.64%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	1.62%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.31%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.02%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(1.22%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	(4.06%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(4.13%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(5.19%)

The post ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• Buy, hold, sell: Beach Energy, Flight Centre, and Judo Capital shares
• How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
• 3 top ASX shares to buy for an SMSF
• 6 ASX shares with upgraded ratings from experts this week

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, Super Retail Group, Temple & Webster Group, The Lottery Corporation, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd, Flight Centre Travel Group, Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, Myer, Premier Investments, Temple & Webster Group, The Lottery Corporation, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.