Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are among the most heavily traded S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare shares.

But they’ve delivered some very disparate returns over the past three years.

One of the ASX healthcare juggernauts has smashed the 22.4% returns delivered by the ASX 200 since 22 September 2023, while the other materially trails that performance.

So, if you’d bought $10,000 worth of Pro Medicus and CSL shares three years ago, how much would you have now?

I’m glad you asked!

Tipping $10,000 into CSL shares

On 22 September, shares in the ASX 200 biotech giant closed the day trading for $252.15 each.

Meaning for $10,000 you could have bought 39 CSL shares, with enough change left over to take your partner out to dinner. For the next 10 or so months, you would have watched those shares march higher.

But by August 2024, the ASX 200 healthcare share came under sustained selling pressure.

On Thursday, CSL shares were swapping hands for $179.09 apiece. Meaning those 39 shares you bought three years ago for $10,000 would be worth $6,985 today.

Now, we shouldn’t entirely discount the CSL dividends.

If you owned the stock for the past three years you would have received (or shortly will) the past six unfranked dividend payments, totalling $12.55 a share. CSL stock traded ex-dividend on 9 September. If you owned shares at market close on 8 September, you can expect to receive the final FY 2026 dividend of $2.244 a share on 2 October.

So, if we add that $12.55 of passive income back into the recent share price, then the accumulated value of the CSL shares you bought three years ago is now worth $191.64. And the 39 shares you invested $10,000 into are worth $7,474.

Which brings us to…

Buying Pro Medicus shares in September 2023

Three years ago, shares in the ASX 200 health imaging company closed the day trading for $71.67 apiece.

Meaning your $10,000 investment would have netted you 139 shares, with enough change for popcorn and a movie.

On Thursday, Pro Medicus shares were changing hands for $159.52 each. So those 139 shares are worth $22,173 today.

And, as with CSL shares, you’d also have received (or shortly will) the last six fully franked Pro Medicus dividend payments, totalling $1.64 a share. Pro Medicus stock traded ex-dividend on 7 September. If you owned shares on 4 September, you can expect that record high 37 cent per share final dividend to land in your bank account on 29 September.

Now, if we add that passive income back into the recent share price, then the accumulated value of the 139 Pro Medicus shares you bought three years ago for $10,000 is now worth $22,401.

Which sees Pro Medicus clearly top CSL shares as the better investment over the past three years.

The post $10,000 invested in Pro Medicus and CSL shares 3 years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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.