If you had $5,000 to invest in 2026, where could you put it to work on the ASX?
Rather than betting everything on one idea, many investors prefer a balanced mix of quality, defensiveness, and upside potential. This approach can help smooth returns when markets turn volatile, while still leaving room for growth.
With that in mind, here are 3 Australian stocks from different sectors that could make sense as part of a diversified portfolio this year, depending on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
CSL is one of Australia’s highest-quality global businesses, operating across blood plasma products, vaccines, and specialist medicines.
The share price had a tough run through 2025, falling sharply after management downgraded earnings expectations. Weaker vaccine demand in the US and higher costs weighed on sentiment.
However, that pullback has caught the attention of brokers. Several analysts believe CSL’s long-term growth story remains intact, driven by rising global demand for plasma therapies and ongoing investment in research and development. Broker consensus ratings still lean towards a ‘buy’ rating, with some price targets implying solid upside if earnings recover over the next 12 to 24 months.
For investors with patience, CSL could appeal as a defensive growth stock trading below previous highs.
Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)
Woolworths is about as close as it gets to a defensive blue-chip on the ASX.
As Australia’s largest supermarket operator, Woolworths benefits from steady demand for everyday essentials. No matter what the economy is doing, people still need to buy food and household goods.
While Woolworths is not a high-growth stock, it offers reliability. Brokers often point to its strong market position, resilient cash flows, and consistent dividend payments as key attractions. Cost pressures and competition remain challenges, but Woolworths’ scale gives it pricing power that smaller rivals lack.
For a $5,000 portfolio, Woolworths can provide stability and income, helping balance out more volatile investments elsewhere.
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)
Northern Star adds a different flavour to the mix through gold exposure.
The gold miner enjoyed a strong 2025, but shares pulled back early in 2026 after the company lowered production guidance due to operational issues. That disappointed investors and dragged the share price lower.
Even so, many analysts see Northern Star as a quality operator within the gold sector. If production stabilises and gold prices remain firm, earnings could recover. Gold also tends to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty, which can support miners like Northern Star.
This makes Northern Star the higher-risk, higher-reward option on this list.
Final thoughts
With $5,000 to invest in 2026, these 3 stocks each bring something different to the table. CSL offers long-term growth through global healthcare, Woolworths provides defensive income and earnings stability, and Northern Star adds exposure to gold and cyclical upside.
Combined, this mix offers investors a diversified ASX starting point, balancing risk and opportunity across multiple sectors.
The post Top Australian stocks to buy with $5,000 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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More reading
- Buying Northern Star shares? Here’s the latest on the gold miner’s production woes
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- How I’d build a high-conviction ASX share portfolio
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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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