This ASX shares and ETF mix could be the key to early retirement

Early retirement at 57 might sound ambitious, but a tightly built portfolio that blends growth, income, and selective risk can do more of the heavy lifting than you think.

The idea isn’t complexity. It’s owning the right mix and sticking with it.

Here’s a punchy strategy designed for investors targeting early retirement.

Growth, income anchor and outsized gains

Start with WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) as your primary growth engine. This is a high-quality software business embedded in global logistics, with strong pricing power and long-term expansion potential. It’s the kind of company you hold for years and let compounding work in the background.

To balance that, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) plays the role of income anchor. If you’re serious about early retirement, you’ll eventually need reliable cash flow, and CBA’s dividends can help fill that gap. It’s not about explosive growth here—it’s about dependability.

For a higher-risk, higher-reward tilt, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, adds exposure to lithium and the broader electrification trend. Commodity stocks can be volatile, but that volatility is exactly where outsized gains can come from if the cycle plays in your favour.

Blue chips, international tech and infrastructure

On the ETF side, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) forms the core of the early retirement portfolio. It provides low-cost exposure to the broader Australian market, helping smooth out individual stock risk while still delivering solid long-term returns.

It’s heavily weighted toward banks and miners, which dominate the local market. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and CBA are typically the two biggest positions, alongside CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and the major banks.

To tap into global innovation, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) gives you access to leading US tech names and AI-driven growth that simply isn’t available on the ASX. This adds a powerful international growth layer. Tech dominates the portfolio, so returns can be powerful in bull market, but expect volatility when sentiment shifts.

Rounding things out, iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (ASX: IFRA) introduces a more defensive element. While holdings are more spread out, you’ll typically find companies involved in toll roads, airports, pipelines, and electricity grids.

Infrastructure assets tend to generate steady income and can act as a buffer during inflationary periods, which becomes increasingly important as you approach retirement.

Foolish Takeaway

What makes this combination effective is how each piece plays a role. The growth names push your portfolio higher over time, the income exposure helps prepare for life after work, and the diversification reduces the risk of relying on any single outcome.

Add in a disciplined approach – regular investing, reinvesting dividends, and staying invested through market swings – and the path to early retirement at 57 starts to look far more achievable than most people assume.

The post This ASX shares and ETF mix could be the key to early retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• A 2026 market crash could be a once-in-a-decade chance to build a $1 million ASX portfolio
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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, and WiseTech Global and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.