The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is climbing higher again in Wednesday afternoon trade. Here are five ASX shares that could drive even more growth on the index this year. With a spare $5,000, I’d snap them up today.Â
NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)
NextDC has a rapidly expanding network of data centres for cloud computing, telecommunications, and AI workloads. It also has physical infrastructure, such as power, cooling, and security. Demand for data usage is expected to grow this year, and I think the company is well-positioned to absorb a good chunk of it. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $12.92, and it looks like the consensus is that they’ll jump significantly this year.
Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)
The supermarket giant could face some headwinds from renewed concerns about inflation this year. But the ASX stock is very defensive, and the business is well-positioned to be resilient under pressure. Its business is strong, and sentiment surrounding the business is positive. At a seven-month low of $20.475 per share, I view Coles as a rare opportunity to buy a decent stock for cheap.
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
The ASX biotech company’s shares have taken several beatings over the past six months after a number of headwinds caused brutal sell-offs. But the company is actively growing its pipeline. This, combined with rocketing global demand for plasma therapies, means we could see plenty more from the company this year. At $142.06, at the time of writing, I think the CSL share price is a screaming buy.Â
Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)
The counter drone technology company was one of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025. And that success has continued through to 2026. Droneshield has faced a few headwinds over the past 12 months, but has also won some impressive contracts valued at $21.7 million. I think the ASX shares are undervalued at the trading price of $3.97.
Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)
The ASX airline’s shares were in the spotlight last week after its value tumbled sharply. Investors were disappointed by the flying kangaroo’s first-half FY26 results, and it sent the share price crashing. Uncertainty around the outlook for fuel prices has also contributed to the downturn, but analysts are bullish about steep upside once global uncertainty cools. At the time of writing, Qantas shares are cheap at $8.735 a piece.
The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Coles Group Limited right now?
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* Returns as of 20 Feb 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 CSL and DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. 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.