What a difference 20 years can make to your superannuation.

At 50, many Australians are still building their retirement savings, with years of employer contributions and potential investment returns ahead of them. By 70, the focus may have shifted towards making those savings last while enjoying life after work.

But just how different are the average super balances at these two ages? Let’s see what the latest numbers are saying:

The average super balance at 50

According to Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) data, Australians aged 50 to 54 have an average superannuation balance of $198,000.

This provides a reasonable guide for someone turning 50.

While $198,000 may seem a long way from the amount needed for a comfortable retirement, someone turning 50 still has 17 years before reaching Age Pension age.

That leaves plenty of time for contributions and potential investment growth to improve their position.

It is also worth remembering that many Australians reach their peak earning years during their 50s, which can create opportunities to make extra contributions if household finances allow.

What about at age 70?

Unsurprisingly, the average superannuation balance is higher for Australians aged 70 to 74, reaching $312,000 according to the latest APRA data.

That is $114,000 more than the average for the 50 to 54 age bracket.

It is also worth remembering that many Australians in their 70s have already retired and started drawing down their savings.

This means their balances may reflect years of retirement withdrawals alongside investment returns, rather than simply decades of uninterrupted growth.

Is the average balance enough?

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates that a single homeowner needs around $630,000 at retirement to support a comfortable lifestyle, assuming some Age Pension support over time.

For a couple, the estimated combined amount is $730,000.

These benchmarks suggest that someone with an average balance may need to think carefully about their retirement expectations, particularly if they are single or have significant housing costs.

However, the Age Pension, other investments, home ownership, and individual spending habits can all influence how far a super balance stretches.

Final word

Australians approaching 50 have an opportunity to assess their progress while there is still time to make changes.

For someone around 70, the more immediate consideration may be how to manage withdrawals and investment risk while keeping enough money available for later retirement.

The average figures offer a helpful comparison, but retirement readiness ultimately depends on how much income your savings can provide and how long that income needs to last.

The post Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at 50 and 70 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

With 2027 now just a few months away, investors may be starting to think about where to put their money to work next year.

And with so many exchange traded funds (ETFs) available on the ASX, there are plenty of opportunities to consider.

Here are 10 ASX ETFs that could be worth keeping on your watchlist for 2027.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF could be a strong option for investors wanting exposure to the US share market.

It tracks 500 of America’s largest listed companies, including global leaders across technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods.

This could make it a good foundation for a long-term investment portfolio.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

For investors wanting local exposure, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF could be worth considering.

It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors access to a large collection of Australian stocks.

The fund also provides exposure to the dividends and potential franking credits that make Australian shares popular with income investors.

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF offers exposure to companies outside the United States.

This includes developed and emerging markets across Europe, Asia, and other regions.

It could be particularly attractive for investors who already have significant US exposure and want to diversify internationally.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF to watch is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund invests in 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

It offers exposure to businesses involved in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, digital advertising, and other major technology industries.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could be an exciting option for 2027.

It provides exposure to leading Asian technology companies across semiconductors, ecommerce, gaming, hardware, and digital platforms.

Asia’s important position in the global technology industry and its enormous consumer markets could support growth over the long term.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity could remain a major investment theme in 2027.

The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF invests in companies helping businesses protect their networks, cloud systems, devices, and data.

As artificial intelligence and other technologies become more widely adopted, demand for cybersecurity services is likely to continue increasing.

Global X AI Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)

Another technology-focused option is the Global X AI Infrastructure ETF.

This fund provides exposure to companies building the infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence.

That includes semiconductors, data centre equipment, networking technology, electricity infrastructure, and cooling systems.

The enormous investment going into AI infrastructure could bode well for its holdings.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF takes a different approach.

It invests in international companies with strong profitability, healthy balance sheets, and relatively stable earnings.

This could make it attractive for investors wanting exposure to financially strong businesses rather than broad market exposure.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could also be worth watching.

It focuses on US companies believed to have sustainable competitive advantages and attractive valuations.

This approach could appeal to investors looking for quality businesses with the potential to compound earnings over many years.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

Finally, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF could be an ASX ETF to consider for 2027. It offers exposure to companies generating strong free cash flow.

These businesses have greater flexibility to invest in growth, pay dividends, reduce debt, or repurchase shares.

That financial strength could be valuable as investors navigate whatever market conditions next year brings.

The post 10 top ASX ETFs to watch in 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF, 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 VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia vs Westpac shares: Which bank stock is the better buy?

Australia’s major banks are among the most closely watched shares on the ASX. Whether you’re keen on steady dividends, reliable market leaders, or just want your investments to track with the backbone of the Aussie economy, there’s a good chance you’re weighing up Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) vs Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares. Both are “big four” heavyweights, but subtle differences could matter if you want the better value, yield, or momentum in your portfolio. Let’s break it down.

The case for Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, or CBA, is the country’s largest bank and one of Australia’s most iconic brands. It offers a wide range of financial services spanning retail, business, and institutional banking, as well as funds management, super, insurance and broking. Operating across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the UK, and the US, CBA’s reach is truly global.

A few key numbers jump out. CBA boasts a massive market cap of $254.92 billion and a P/E ratio of 23.48, handsomely ahead of its peers on size. The dividend yield sits at 3.30%, fully franked, which is a big draw for income-focused investors. Its earnings per share are $6.517, and shareholders received a dividend of $5.05 per share in the last year. Notably, the franking is again 100%, ticking the box for those targeting tax-effective income. The bank has an unbroken track record of paying fully franked dividends stretching back decades.

The case for Westpac

Westpac Banking Corp, trading as Westpac, is Australia’s oldest bank and a mainstay of the sector. It’s home to major brands like St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA and BT, serving millions of customers via a wide array of retail, business and institutional banking, and wealth management channels. According to its current company profile, Westpac operates across six divisions, demonstrating its broad exposure across banking and financial services.

Westpac’s fundamentals are competitive for value seekers. The market cap is $119.40 billion, quite a bit smaller than CBA’s, but still firmly in blue chip territory. Critically, Westpac’s P/E ratio is a more modest 17.22 — suggesting the market prices its future earnings more cautiously. Where it currently shines is dividend yield: at 4.41%, fully franked, Westpac tops CBA on payout percentage. The per-share dividend over the past year was $1.54, with 100% franking. Earnings per share currently stand at $2.029.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the core numbers stack up:

Metric	Commonwealth Bank	Westpac
Market Cap	$254.92bn	$119.40bn
P/E Ratio	23.48	17.22
Dividend Yield	3.30%	4.41%
Earnings per Share (EPS)	$6.517	$2.029
Dividend per Share	$5.05	$1.54
Franking	100%	100%
Year-to-Date Return	-1.6%	-7.5%

Both have 100% franked dividends.

CBA is substantially larger, but Westpac currently offers a noticeably higher dividend yield and a significantly lower P/E ratio — which might appeal to value investors. Westpac’s lower earnings per share comes with a much lower price point too, reflecting its smaller market cap.

Recent share price performance

Comparing data up until 21 September 2026:

• Commonwealth Bank closed at $152.99 as of 21 Sep 2026, up 0.37% on the day. Year to date, CBA shares have returned -1.6%.
• Westpac closed at $34.93 on 21 Sep 2026, rising 0.52% that session. However, Westpac’s year-to-date return stands at -7.5%.

Both banks have enjoyed some positive days in September, but CBA has held up far better in 2026 so far. Westpac’s share price has underperformed, lagging by nearly 6 percentage points year-to-date.

Which is the better buy?

Both Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac offer investors defensive income, blue chip security, and fully franked dividends. But if I’m picking between the two right now, I’d lean toward CBA.

Here’s why: While Westpac’s yield is higher and its P/E ratio lower (a value tick), CBA has delivered a markedly better share price performance in 2026 — despite its higher valuation. CBA’s dominant position, strong earnings per share, and consistent dividend growth over decades (with a much higher dollar payout per share) signal long-term resilience. In contrast, Westpac’s lagging share price and much smaller EPS leave me cautious.

If I wanted maximum dividend yield right this minute, Westpac would tempt me, but CBA’s quality, stability, and track record give me more confidence for the years ahead. On balance, my pick would be Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

The post Commonwealth Bank vs Westpac: Which ASX bank stock is the better buy for resilient passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.