• Magnificent 8? Meet the US tech stock up 215% in 2026

    A player with tech goggles inside the metaverse.

    Most ASX investors have heard of the Magnificent 7, I’d wager. That catchy label refers to seven of the largest tech stocks in the world that all call the United States of America home. These US tech stocks have been incredibly lucrative investments in recent years.

    You probably don’t need reminding, but Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG), Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) are all dominant forces in the global economy. Each has carved out an enduring presence in the personal and professional lives of people all around the world.

    And each has delivered eye-watering returns over varying lengths of time.

    However, a recent look at the top echelons of the US markets has prompted me to ponder that perhaps the ‘Magnificent 7’ is becoming an outdated label. Thanks to the rise of another high-flying US tech stock, we might have to expand it to the ‘Magnificent 8’, or perhaps the ‘Electric 8’ for the innovators.

    The US tech stock I’m referring to goes by the name of Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ: MU).

    A new titan of a US tech stock?

    Micron is a semiconductor company that manufactures chips, memory, drives, and other data processing and storage products.

    To put it simply, this company has gone parabolic in recent months, as have many semiconductor and chip stocks. One year ago, you could have picked up this US tech stock for US$122.24 a share. By the start of 2026, Micron shares were asking US$315.42. Today, one Micron share will set you back a whopping US$991.64.

    That means Micron is up almost 215% year to date, and up a jaw-dropping 705.5% over the past 12 months.

    These gains give the company a market capitalisation of US$1.11 trillion today. So we have another trillion-dollar tech stock at the top of the US markets. This puts Micron as the tenth-largest stock in the entire S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), and thus in the popular iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) index fund. This US tech stock is also now the third-largest holding in the also popular BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). 

    Even if you don’t own Micron shares, or these ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs), directly, it’s likely that your superannuation fund now has a significant Micron investment. 

    As such, we’d all better keep an eye on this US tech stock.

    The post Magnificent 8? Meet the US tech stock up 215% in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Micron Technology right now?

    Before you buy Micron Technology shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Micron Technology wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, 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.

  • If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

    A young bank customer wearing a yellow jumper smiles as she checks her bank balance on her phone.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are usually among the most popular dividend holdings because of their blue-chip status and satisfactory dividend yield.

    However, the ASX bank share‘s dividend yield isn’t exactly the biggest in the sector. It usually has the smallest dividend yield compared to names like National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

    But what CBA lacks in dividend yield, it makes up for in its dividend growth over the past 15 years and payout stability.

    Pleasingly, the bank has increased its annual dividend each year since FY20 following the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Commonwealth Bank’s latest result was another period of good performance by the ASX bank share. The CBA interim dividend per share increased by 4% to $2.35, funded by 6% growth in cash net profit after tax (NPAT).

    Let’s take a look at what analysts think the business could deliver in the 2027 financial year, which recently started.

    2027 dividend projection for owners of CBA shares

    According to the independent projection on Commsec, the ASX bank share is projected to pay an annual dividend per share of $5.15 in the 2027 financial year.

    At the time of writing, the forecast translates into a dividend yield of 3.1% excluding franking credits and a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5% including franking credits.

    If someone were to invest $10,000 in Commonwealth Bank, they would be able to buy 60 CBA shares (with a little bit of money left over).

    With those 60 CBA shares, investors could receive $309 of cash and $441.43 overall, including the franking credits.

    Is this a good time to invest in Commonwealth Bank?

    According to CMC Invest, there have been eight analyst ratings on the business in the last three months.

    Of those eight, all of them have been a sell rating. So, the investment professionals are very negative on how appealing the company’s valuation is right now.

    The average price target of those eight ratings is $120.38, according to CMC Invest. That means, collectively, those analysts are predicting the CBA share price could drop by 27% within the next year, at the time of writing.

    After the Federal budget, the Commonwealth Bank share price dropped below $154, though it has somewhat recovered from that recent low point.

    It seems there are better ASX shares out there that we can buy.

    The post If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank Of Australia shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Commonwealth Bank Of Australia wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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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 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.

  • Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares

    Woman with money on the table and looking upwards.

    Owning ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares usually means getting a good dividend yield due to the bank’s typically rewarding payout.

    As an ASX bank share, ANZ typically has a relatively low price/earnings (P/E) ratio and a fairly generous dividend payout ratio. This combination leads to a solid yield.

    The bank is predicted to continue to deliver pleasing payouts for shareholders over the next couple of financial years.

    FY26

    We’re already more than three-quarters of the way through ANZ’s 2026 financial year, which ends on 30 September 2026.

    The company’s FY26 half-year result was promising for the ASX bank share.

    Compared to the second half of FY25 (and excluding FY25 second half significant items), HY26 cash profit saw operating expenses decline by 9%, cash net profit before provisions climbed 12%, and cash profit grew 14%.

    With that result, ANZ’s board of directors decided to maintain its interim dividend per share at 83 cents – the same as six months ago.

    The projection on Commsec suggests the ASX bank share could pay an annual dividend per ANZ share of $1.66 in FY26. That possible 2026 financial year payout would be the same as the FY25 payout.

    At the time of writing, ANZ’s dividend yield for FY26 could be 4.6% excluding franking credits and 6.1% including franking credits.

    FY27

    When the company announced its FY26 half-year result in May, ANZ CEO Nuno Matos gave some commentary on the evolving situation for the local economy and what it could mean for customers (and owners of ANZ shares):

    Our customers understand the world is more complex. Our corporate customers have been preparing for shocks, building capital and liquidity, maintaining flexibility and improving supply chain resilience. As such, there has been no material change in the overall borrowing behaviour of our customers.

    Likewise, in both Australia and New Zealand, households entered this period with generally strong balance sheets and high savings buffers. We have not seen any material increase in new customers entering hardship or receiving assistance. However, we recognise that some individuals and businesses are navigating these challenging circumstances.

    …Reflecting this raised risk in the external environment, we have increased our collective provisions, with our coverage ratio up 4 basis points. We continue to watch the situation closely.

    The result announced today confirms our actions to reset the bank are working, but we have more to do. As we look ahead, we continue to focus on executing our ANZ 2030 strategy as we progress our five-year journey to be the best bank for customers and shareholders in Australia and New Zealand         

    ANZ borrowers (and prospective borrowers) will also have to deal with the flow-on effects of the Australian Federal Budget, including potentially lower investor demand due to changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT).

    Overall, while ANZ is doing its best to reduce its cost base and become more profitable, it’s operating in a difficult environment.

    According to the projection on Commsec, ANZ is expected to maintain its dividend at $1.66 per ANZ share in FY27.

    That means it would offer the same dividend yield next financial year – 4.6% excluding franking credits and 6.1% including franking credits.

    In my view, there are other ASX shares that could be better buys for the long-term.

    The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Anz Group right now?

    Before you buy Anz Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Anz Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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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 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.

  • VIHY: Is Vanguard’s new ASX dividend ETF a buy for income?

    A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone

    Veteran index fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider Vanguard recently announced a new slate of ASX ETFs. Amongst them was the Vanguard International Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VIHY).

    ASX shares are well known for their income potential (not to mention those beloved franking credits). So this new ASX ETF has some stiff local competition. Additionally, the ASX is also home to a few ASX ETFs, both locally and internationally focused, that prioritise generating dividend income for their investors. Some popular examples include the BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD) and the State Street SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (ASX: WDIV).

    So today, let’s see how this new ASX ETF from Vanguard measures up.

    What’s in this new VIHY Vanguard ETF?

    To start off with, the Vanguard International Shares High Yield ETF tracks the FTSE All-World ex Australia High Dividend Yield Net Tax Index. This index represents more than 2,300 individual dividend stocks from all over the world. VIHY itself currently holds around 1,600, so already we can see that this is a relatively massive fund in terms of scope.

    Like many internationally-focused ETFs in Australia, VIHY is America-heavy. As of 31 May, 41% of its portfolio consisted of US stocks. Japan contributed the next-highest weighting at 9.9%, followed by the United Kingdom (7.1%), Canada (4.6%), Switzerland (4.5%), France (4.4%), and Taiwan (3.5%).

    But let’s get into what this ASX ETF actually holds in its portfolio.

    Many of its top holdings are well-known US dividend payers. These include JPMorgan Chase & Co, Exxon Mobil Corp, Johnson & Johnson, Cisco Systems, Chevron Corp, Coca-Cola, Philip Morris International, Toyota, and Procter & Gamble.

    Moving on to this ASX ETF’s dividend potential, VIHY pays out its dividend distributions quarterly. It has only declared one payment to investors so far, a dividend distribution worth 49.49 cents per unit. This will be paid out later this month on 16 July.

    If we annualise this payment (by assuming that its next three match its first), we get a potential 12-month dividend distribution total of $1.98 per unit. At the current (at the time of writing) price of $54.68, we get a potential yield of 3.62%.

    Now, that’s very arbitrary at this stage. We don’t yet know what VIHY’s next few dividend payments will look like. However, if investors are looking for an easy income investment that would diversify an ASX-heavy dividend portfolio, this ASX ETF might be worth considering.

     

     

     

     

     

    The post VIHY: Is Vanguard’s new ASX dividend ETF a buy for income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Coca-Cola, Philip Morris International, and Procter & Gamble. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Chevron, Cisco Systems, and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and Philip Morris International. 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.

  • 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week

    Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop.

    If I had a spare $5,000 to invest in ASX shares this week, here’s where I’d put my money.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Life360 shares had a difficult start to 2026, but have now rebounded around 46% from an annual low in mid-May.

    It’s good news for investors, but the ASX tech company’s shares are now around 53% below an all-time high set in October last year and 19% lower year to date. 

    The ASX shares were caught up in a tech-sector-wide sell-off over the past nine months. Investors sold their tech shares amid growing fears that companies’ core services could be replaced by AI. 

    At the same time, there has been some concern that some tech company share prices, including Life360, had become overpriced and were trading above fair value.

    But I think the shares have been oversold, and there is huge growth potential ahead.

    Life360 reported a 38% increase in quarterly revenue, mostly driven by a 32% increase in subscription revenue and a 36% increase in core subscription revenue. The company also upgraded its FY26 adjusted EBITDA and revenue guidance, showing that the business is profitable and performing well.

    Market Index data shows brokers have a strong buy consensus on the stock. The $32.01 average target price implies a potential 22% upside, at the time of writing.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    After a strong start to the year, Eagers shares have gradually tumbled, down around 15% for the year-to-date, at the time of writing. 

    It’s not all bad news, though. The ASX automotive company’s shares have rebounded since hitting an annual low in early June.

    ASX consumer discretionary shares have outperformed over the past month thanks to tailwinds from renewed confidence around interest rate cuts and softer-than-expected inflation figures last month. 

    Eagers itself has recorded some impressive financial results recently too. 

    In May, the company reported that its Australia and New Zealand turnover was up 5% year-on-year for the four months to April. The company’s order book climbed 70% from the previous quarter, and NPAT was up 40% year-on-year.

    I see the headwinds continuing for Eagers shares this year.

    Brokers are bullish too. They tip a 25% potential upside ahead for the ASX shares, to an average $26.04 per share, at the time of writing.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    While Flight Centre shares have rebounded strongly from a multi-year low in mid-May, they’re still down around 18% year to date at the time of writing. 

    I think that even after the latest share price increase, the ASX travel share still presents a fantastic buying opportunity for investors.

    It looks like travel demand is still strong, and fuel price volatility has lessened over the past month. If these both continue then I think we’ll see even more investors buy back into the shares.

    The company is also due to release its FY26 earnings results in late-August. If the result comes in ahead of market expectations we could see a quick uptick in Flight Centre shares.

    Brokers agree too. Market Index data shows a consensus buy rating for the ASX shares over the next 12 months. The average $15.36 target price implies a potential 23% upside ahead, at the time of writing.

    The post 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Life360 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd and Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX shares near 52-week lows I’d buy today

    Buy now written on a red key with a shopping trolley on an Apple keyboard.

    The ASX share market is seeing its fair share of volatility this month; it could be a great opportunity to invest in ideas trading near 52-week lows.

    Certain companies’ performance can be closely linked to consumer confidence in the short term. But downturns shouldn’t last forever, so I view any pessimism as a chance to buy the dip.

    The two ASX shares below have shown their ability to grow over the long-term. Let’s get into why I think they’re buys.

    Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

    At the time of writing, the Collins Foods share price has fallen more than 30% since December 2025, as the chart below shows. I think the KFC franchisee operator is now very good value.

    I believe it still has significant growth potential in both Australia and Europe.

    The FY26 result included a number of positives, including revenue growth of 8.6% to $1.59 billion, underlying operating profit (EBIT) growth of 10.1% to $130.7 million and underlying net profit growth of 13% to $61.4 million.

    Collins Foods was also able to reduce its net debt by close to $18 million, while increasing the annual dividend per share by 7.7%.

    The first eight weeks of FY27 saw total KFC sales growth of 6.7% in Australia and 26.4% in Germany, but a 5.2% decline in the Netherlands. Same-store sales growth was 4% in Australia, but there was a decline of 7.2% in Germany and 7.8% in the Netherlands. The company noted consumer sentiment was weak in Europe amid the Middle East conflict and high fuel prices.

    I think the company can have a good FY27 and beyond. It’s expecting a stable cost environment in FY27 and plans to open between seven and ten restaurants in Australia and another seven in Germany.

    According to Commsec’s projection, the Collins Foods share price is valued at less than 15x FY27’s estimated earnings, with further earnings growth projected for FY27 and FY29. This looks like the right time to invest near its 52-week low.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    The other ASX share that looks cheap to me is this leading Australian online business that sells furniture, homewares, and home improvement products.

    The Temple & Webster share price is down more than 70% in the past year and has fallen more than 60% in 2026 to date, as the chart below shows.

    The company has seen customer demand slow over the past year, so it is currently looking to maximise its profitability. April 2026 was the most profitable April in its history, with operating profit (EBITDA) of around $2.5 million.

    For FY26, the company expects to grow its revenue by between 11% and 12%, and grow EBITDA by between 6% and 17%. Management believes FY27 EBITDA could close to double, even in a low-growth scenario.

    The company is benefiting from rising adoption of e-commerce by households. Australia is following UK and US trends, but just a few years behind, suggesting online shopping could account for 30% or more of the Australian homewares and furniture market by the end of the decade.

    Temple & Webster also suggests that the uplift in profitability and its strong balance sheet position the company for both organic and acquisition growth.

    According to Commsec’s projection, the Temple & Webster share price is valued at 38x FY27’s estimated earnings. I think it looks great value at this level, near its 52-week low.

    The post 2 ASX shares near 52-week lows I’d buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Collins Foods right now?

    Before you buy Collins Foods shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Collins Foods wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods 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.

  • VAS vs. VHY: Which is the better ASX ETF for retirement?

    A senior investor wearing glasses sits at his desk and works on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.

    Two of the most popular ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the market today are Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).

    In an article, Jamie Nemtsas, founder of retirement wealthy advisory, Wattle Partners, explains which ASX ETF he likes better for clients in retirement.

    The result may surprise you.

    What are VAS and VHY ETFs?

    Firstly, let’s go over the differences between VAS ETF and VHY ETF.

    VAS ETF

    VAS provides easy exposure in a single trade to the top 300 companies by market cap on the ASX. 

    The ETF seeks to mirror the returns of the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), before fees.

    ASX VAS is the most popular ETF on the market, with $25.7 billion in funds under management (FUM).

    VHY ETF

    VHY ETF is full of ASX dividend shares that have higher forecast dividend yields than their peers.

    This ETF tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, before fees.

    VHY ETF has a few rules: It doesn’t invest more than 40% of funds in any one industry, nor more than 10% in any one stock.

    VHY holds 73 shares across all sectors bar real estate investment trusts (REITs), and has $7.67 billion in FUM.

    Both ASX ETFs pay distributions (dividends) quarterly.

    VAS vs. VHY ETF in retirement

    Nemtsas reviewed the 15-year performance of the VAS and VHY ETFs to decide which one he felt was the better pick for retirement.

    His answer: VAS.

    Nemtsas said:

    While a high-dividend ETF looks tempting for retirement income, the hidden structural trade-offs can derail long-term wealth.

    Nemtsas gives five reasons as to why he prefers VAS ETF for retirement.

    1. Portfolio diversification

    VAS holds about 300 shares while VHY holds 73.

    This means VHY’s portfolio is more concentrated in the banks and miners through their weightings.

    The result, according to Nemtsas:

    When BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) halves the dividend, as it has twice in the last decade, VHY feels it harder.

    When the banks compress payout ratios under APRA pressure, VHY feels that harder too.

    2. Management fees

    VAS charges an annual management fee of 0.07% while VHY charges 0.25%.

    The 18 basis point difference compounds. On a $500,000 holding, that is $900 a year.

    Over 20 years of retirement, with reinvestment, that is closer to $35,000. Fees are the one input you can guarantee. Yield is not.

    3. Fund turnover and capital gains tax (CGT)

    Nemtsas says VAS turns over less than 5% of its portfolio per year, while VHY turns over closer to 37% because it chases yield.

    The result is capital gains tax events inside the fund, distributed back to unit holders in non-cash form at the end of the year.

    Retirees in pension phase wear less of this, but the structural inefficiency is real and persistent.

    4. Total return vs. headline dividend yield

    Nemtsas says VAS has produced a higher average total return of 8% than VHY at 6.8% over the past 10 years.

    He says:

    That is the cost of buying yield by ignoring price.

    The names with the highest forecast yield are typically the names the market is least optimistic about.

    Sometimes the market is wrong. Often it is not.

    5. VHY ETF’s higher yield is not free

    Nemtsas explains:

    VHY’s 6% versus VAS’s 3.6% comes from two places.

    First, higher payout ratios in the names VHY overweights.

    Second, the screening methodology itself, which mechanically tilts toward stocks where the dividend is high relative to a depressed share price.

    Both effects can persist for years. Both also reverse.

    The franking benefit in VHY is real, but VAS picks up plenty of franking through its Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) exposure too.

    The franking gap is narrower than the headline yield gap suggests.

    The post VAS vs. VHY: Which is the better ASX ETF for retirement? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Macquarie Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs this month

    Group of people cheer around tablets in office

    A $50,000 investment can give investors a solid starting point on the ASX.

    And with exchange traded funds (ETFs), it can easily be spread across Australia, global markets, technology, cybersecurity, and robotics.

    Here is one way to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs this month.

    Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

    I would start with the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

    A $20,000 investment in this fund could form the core of the portfolio.

    It gives investors exposure to a large number of companies across developed markets, such as the United States, Europe, Japan, and other major economies. This includes global healthcare companies, technology leaders, consumer brands, industrial businesses, and financial giants.

    This fund could act as the foundation before adding more targeted ETFs around it.

    Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

    Next, I would consider putting $10,000 into the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

    This fund provides broad exposure to the local share market. That means investors can own a slice of Australia’s banks, miners, healthcare shares, retailers, property groups, infrastructure businesses, and industrial companies in one trade.

    It also gives the portfolio exposure to Australian dividends and franking credits.

    The local market is not as deep as global markets, but it still deserves a place in a balanced ASX ETF portfolio.

    Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

    I would then put $7,500 into the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

    Cybersecurity has become a permanent cost of operating in the digital economy.

    Companies need to protect data, networks, cloud systems, employees, customers, and payments. As more activity moves online, the risks become larger and more complex.

    This ASX ETF gives investors exposure to companies trying to solve those problems through identity security, endpoint protection, cloud security, threat detection, and network defence.

    It is more targeted than a broad market fund, but the long-term demand drivers are hard to ignore.

    Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    Another $7,500 could go into the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

    This fund gives investors exposure to Asian technology companies, including businesses linked to semiconductors, hardware, ecommerce, gaming, and digital platforms.

    It is a different type of technology exposure from a US-focused fund. Asia plays a major role in both building the digital economy and serving large, fast-moving consumer markets.

    The risks are higher because the fund is concentrated by region and sector, but the long-term growth potential remains attractive.

    Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

    The final $5,000 could go into the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

    This fund gives exposure to companies involved in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, drones, unmanned vehicles, and intelligent machinery.

    It is a higher-risk holding, so I would keep the allocation smaller.

    The opportunity is tied to industries trying to improve productivity, reduce labour constraints, and use smarter machines in more settings.

    It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    The post Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in 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. 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.

  • How much do I need in my superannuation to get $50k per year in passive income?

    Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.

    Investing your superannuation is a smart way to generate a reliable passive income for retirement.

    Not only can it help you build wealth for later on in life, it also comes with the added bonus of low tax rates and long-term compounding.

    But how much do you actually need in your super to be able to earn the passive income you want in retirement?

    Let’s break it down, using a $50,000 per year passive income as an example.

    How much do I need in my superannuation to earn $50,000 per year in passive income?

    Working out the superannuation you’ll need to earn that level of passive income is more straightforward than you’d think.

    Simply divide your annual passive income by the dividend yield of your portfolio.

    Of course, the hard part is that the answer varies significantly depending on the dividend yield of your portfolio. 

    For example, a portfolio with a dividend yield of around 5% only needs to be half the size of one with a dividend yield of around 2.5% to generate the same level of passive income. 

    Breaking it down further

    If your overall portfolio has a dividend yield of around 3%, you’ll need a balance of around $1.66 million to earn $50,000 per year in passive income.

    Then, as your portfolio’s dividend yield increases, the superannuation balance required to earn the same passive income decreases. Say the yield of your portfolio is around 4%, for example, your balance would need to be closer to $1.25 million to earn the same dividend income.

    For a 5% yielding portfolio, you’d need a balance of closer to $1 million to earn the same amount.

    Increase that to a 6% or 7% dividend yield, and you’re looking at closer to $833,000 or $714,000. You’d still earn $50,000 per year in passive income from these portfolio sizes.

    ASX shares around these dividend yields

    There is a huge range of options, but here are a few of my favourite ASX dividend shares to get you started.

    At a 2%-3% dividend yield, I’d look at well-known companies like Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) or Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    For options yielding closer to 4%, my choices would be banking giants such as National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) or ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

    If you want a slightly higher yield around 5% or 6%, I’d invest in something like Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) or Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

    Then your high-yield players could include GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) or IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH). These yield 7% or more.

    The post How much do I need in my superannuation to get $50k per year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Anz Group right now?

    Before you buy Anz Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Anz Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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

  • Should I invest $2,500 into WiseTech shares?

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) is not an easy share to assess right now.

    There has been plenty of noise around the technology company, the share price has fallen sharply from its highs, and market confidence is clearly weaker than it was.

    But sometimes a difficult story can still contain a very attractive long-term opportunity.

    That is how I see WiseTech today.

    Why I would buy WiseTech shares

    I would be willing to invest $2,500 into WiseTech shares, but I would do it with a long-term mindset.

    This is not the kind of business I would buy expecting the market to change its mind immediately. Sentiment may take time to recover, and investors may want more evidence that management can keep executing through the noise.

    What keeps me interested is the size of the prize.

    WiseTech is trying to become the operating system for global trade and logistics. That is a big ambition, but it is not just a slogan. The company already serves more than 22,000 logistics companies and other industry participants across almost 200 countries. This includes 46 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 23 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders.

    With the recent e2open acquisition, WiseTech says its network now reaches more than 500,000 connected enterprises across manufacturing, logistics, channels, and distribution.

    That gives the company a much larger platform to build from.

    The opportunity is expanding

    The recent Macquarie conference update showed how WiseTech is thinking beyond its original logistics software base.

    CargoWise remains the foundation. But the company is now talking about multiple deep vertical markets, including logistics and transport, global trade, trade finance and banking, customs and government agencies, and verified identity, trust, trade, and data.

    I think that is what makes the business more compelling.

    Global trade is full of friction. Goods need to move across borders, through warehouses, across transport networks, through customs systems, and into the hands of end customers. At each step, there are documents, risks, delays, payments, compliance requirements, and data problems.

    WiseTech is trying to digitise more of that complexity.

    It also believes agentic AI can help customers automate large parts of logistics and customs workflows. The company estimates this could remove up to around 50% of labour costs for logistics service providers over time.

    That is a major claim, and investors should watch execution closely. But if WiseTech can deliver even part of that productivity improvement, its software could become even more valuable to customers.

    There are risks

    I would not pretend WiseTech shares are a simple buy.

    The company needs to integrate e2open well, rebuild confidence, manage leadership and governance questions, and prove that its expanded strategy can translate into earnings growth.

    There is also the risk that the market remains cautious for longer than investors expect.

    That is why I would think carefully about position size. A $2,500 investment could make sense as a measured entry point into a volatile growth share, rather than a bet that everything improves quickly.

    Foolish Takeaway

    I think WiseTech shares are worth buying for patient investors.

    The market is clearly focused on the risks, and some of that caution is fair. But I think the company’s role inside global trade infrastructure is still underappreciated.

    WiseTech is not just selling software to freight forwarders. It is building a broader digital network across logistics, trade, compliance, data, and finance.

    That will take time to prove, and the share price may remain bumpy along the way. But for investors willing to look out several years, I think putting $2,500 into WiseTech shares could be a smart move.

    The post Should I invest $2,500 into WiseTech shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and WiseTech Global wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia 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.