I think the best Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for buy-and-hold investors are the ones that make long-term investing easier. 

They give investors broad exposure, keep the investment process simple, and allow time to do more of the work.

Three Vanguard ETFs I would consider buying and holding are in this article.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

The first Vanguard ETF I would look at gives investors exposure to one of the most powerful business markets in the world.

The V500 ETF tracks the S&P 500 index, which means investors get access to hundreds of large US companies through one ASX-listed fund.

I like this ETF because the US market has a rare mix of scale, ambition, innovation, and reinvestment. Many of the companies in the S&P 500 index have spent decades building global brands, deep customer relationships, and products used by businesses and consumers around the world.

I also like that the index can refresh itself over time. Businesses that grow in importance can become larger parts of the fund, while those that lose relevance can fade.

For investors who want a simple way to back US corporate strength over the long term, I think the V500 ETF is a strong option.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The second Vanguard ETF is more focused. The VTEK ETF gives investors access to global technology companies.

Technology investing can sometimes sound like chasing the latest trend, but I think the stronger long-term case is much more practical. Businesses want to automate more work, protect data, improve productivity, manage customers, process payments, analyse information, and use artificial intelligence more effectively.

Those needs are unlikely to disappear. The VTEK ETF provides exposure to the companies building the tools, platforms, chips, software, and digital infrastructure behind that shift.

This ETF can be more volatile than a broad market fund. Technology valuations can move quickly when expectations change. But for patient investors, I think that volatility can be worth accepting as part of a long-term growth allocation.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

I think this Vanguard ETF is one of the simplest long-term building blocks on the ASX.

It gives investors exposure to a large portfolio of developed-market shares outside Australia.

What I like about the VGS ETF is that it spreads money across many countries, industries, currencies, and business models. That can be useful for Australian investors who want their portfolio to reach beyond the local market.

I also think it can help investors avoid overthinking every decision. Instead of trying to pick which overseas company, country, or sector will perform best, investors can own a broad basket and let the market sort through the winners and losers over time.

Foolish takeaway

I think these three Vanguard ETFs could all earn a place in a long-term portfolio.

The combination gives investors access to US market strength, global technology growth, and broad developed-market diversification.

There will still be weak years. Even excellent ETFs can fall when markets become nervous.

But for investors who want simple buy-and-hold exposure to global wealth creation, I think these Vanguard ETFs are among the best options on the ASX.

The post The best Vanguard ETFs to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price has seen plenty of volatility over the last few months, as the chart below shows. The recently-reduced valuation means the ASX energy share‘s dividend yield has received a big boost.

Woodside generates earnings from projects around the world in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and North America regions. The recent events in the Middle East led to higher energy prices and lower supply. This period could help the business deliver strong profits and a great dividend.

The business is forecast to pay large payouts over the next couple of financial years.

Dividend projection

Woodside has been a solid dividend option over the years – oil and gas remain an important part of the global economy, so the company plays a significant role in everyday life.

Its projected net profit in the 2026 and 2027 financial year could allow the business to pay very pleasing passive income in the next couple of years.

The projection on Commsec suggests the business could pay an annual dividend per share of A$2.39 in FY26 and A$2.98 per share in FY27.

At the current Woodside share price, it could pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 11.8% in FY26 and 14.6% in FY27, including franking credits.

There are very few S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that offer a double-digit dividend yield, while Woodside’s is expected to be well above 10%, according to analysts.

The average return of the ASX share market over the last 10 years has been 9%, so Woodside’s annual passive income over the next couple of financial years could outperform the entire ASX share market’s return.

Of course, dividends are not guaranteed – the projected amounts are just estimates. For me, an even more important question is whether the Woodside share price is a good buy.

Is the Woodside share price a buy?

Analysts are somewhat mixed on the business at the moment. There have been nine ratings on the business in the last three months. Of those ratings, two were a buy, six were a hold and one was a sell.

Of those recent ratings, the average price target was $31.02. That implies a possible rise of 6% from where it is at the time of writing. If that happened, combined with the dividend return, Woodside shares could deliver a strong return. It may depend on what happens in the Middle East and the supply of energy to the world.

The most optimistic price target is $36.50, while the most pessimistic price target is $24.75. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next.

Either way, there are plenty of ASX shares that are not exposed to changing energy prices like Woodside is, so some investors may prefer other opportunities.

The post Is the Woodside share price a buy for its 14% dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 7 ASX shares catching broker upgrades this week

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.

They say that “you’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.”

This poker advice rings equally true for investing. After all, holding ASX shares that keep falling can act as a major drag on an otherwise healthy portfolio.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three big-name ASX 200 shares that experts have named as sells this week courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are bearish on:

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The team at Red Leaf Securities has named mining and mining services company Mineral Resources as an ASX 200 share to sell this week.

It thinks investors should stay away from the company until its earnings volatility and debt leverage are reduced. It said:

MIN is a diversified resources company, with extensive operations in lithium, iron ore, energy and mining services across Western Australia. The diversified model provides some cash flow stability via mining services, but overall earnings remain cyclical and exposed to volatile bulk commodity markets. 

Higher leverage amplifies downside risk during commodity downturns. Execution complexity across multiple divisions adds additional risk relative to simpler, more focused producers. While the company retains strategic asset value, earnings stability remains inconsistent, in our view. Until we see a reduction in leverage and earnings volatility, the stock remains a sell, or in the underweight category.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Another ASX 200 share that Red Leaf Securities is bearish on is this lithium giant. 

Red Leaf has put a sell rating on PLS shares due to concerns over increasing lithium supply, which it appears to believe could weigh on spot prices. It explains:

PLS is a leading Australian lithium producer. Lithium remains structurally linked to electrification, but near term fundamentals are challenged by expanding supplies. While PLS asset quality remains strong, earnings are highly leveraged to spot prices, generating volatility through the cycle. Balance sheet strength provides a buffer, but doesn’t offset cyclical earnings pressure. 

PLS remains a high risk recovery trade dependent on the timing of lithium re-balancing, with limited near term visibility.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Finally, DP Wealth Advisory has named REA Group shares as a sell this week.

This has been driven by concerns over the slowing housing market and increasing competition from rival Domain. DP Wealth explains:

REA is the dominant online property platform in Australia. But competitor Domain Holdings Australia, acquired by US listed company CoStar Group, is expected to provide fierce competition. Federal Budget changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing leaves property far less appealing to investors. 

The Australian property market is slowing, which could impact REA listing volumes moving forward. Auction clearance rates have been falling in Sydney and Melbourne. Other stocks appeal more at this stage of the cycle.

The post Experts name 3 big-name ASX 200 shares to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: TechnologyOne, Pro Medicus, PLS Group shares
• 5 ASX All Ords shares that ripped 200% to 400% in FY26
• 10 fantastic ASX shares to buy for FY27
• 3 ASX 200 shares I’d buy and hold for life
• Top 5 ASX 200 lithium shares of FY26

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group. 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.