If you invest your superannuation into ASX dividend shares today, you can benefit from low tax rates, compound growth, and a passive income for when you decide to stop working.

But how much do you actually need in your super to generate the passive income you want to live off when you retire?

Let’s take a look, using $2,000 per week as an example.

I want to earn $2,000 per week in passive income, what do I need in my superannuation?

First of all, it’s important to note that ASX dividend shares don’t pay dividends to their shareholders on a weekly basis. Instead, they pay annually, twice per year, or some even pay every month.

That means that while you can strive for a $2,000-per-week income, it’ll be paid in chunks.

In that case, it’s easiest to calculate by thinking of your $2,000 weekly income as an annual sum.

Over the year, $2,000 per week totals $104,000.

Next, you need to divide that annual sum by the dividend yield of your portfolio.

Of course, the tricky thing is that the answer varies significantly depending on what shares you decide to invest in.

To help, here’s a guide for what you’d need in your superannuation if your portfolio had a dividend yield between 3% and 8%.

Breakdown by dividend yield

If your superannuation portfolio has a dividend yield of around 3%, you’ll need a balance of around $3.46 million to earn $104,000 in passive income each year.

Of course, a portfolio this size is out of reach for the majority of the population, so you’d either need to revise how much you expect to earn or increase your yield.

Because as the dividend yield of your portfolio goes up, the superannuation balance you’ll need to earn the same amount goes down.

For example, if you increase your yield to 4%, you’d need closer to $2.6 million to earn the same passive income. It’s still a lot, but it’s starting to become a lot more achievable. And remember, this is a passive income that you don’t need to do a lot for.

At a 4% yield, you could invest in long-standing blue-chip shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) or ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

Then, if your portfolio yields around 5%, your balance would need to be closer to $2.08 million to generate the same dividend income.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) would be my top picks for a 5% yielding stock.

Increase that to a 6% or 7% dividend yield, and you’re looking at closer to $1.7 million or $1.4 million.

Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC) and Cash Converters International Ltd (ASX: CCV) yield around the 6% to 7% level.

Then, at an 8% dividend yield, you’d only need around $1.3 million in your superannuation to earn the same $104,000 annual passive income (equivalent of $2,000 per week) in your retirement.

For an ASX share yielding around 8%, I’d go for something like the Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) or Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD).

Can’t I just invest in high-yielding stocks so I can earn the amount I want off a lower balance?

Yes, but it doesn’t make good investment sense. 

Generally, the higher the yield, the more risk associated with that investment.

So while you could earn the same passive income off a smaller balance, these stocks are subject to more volatility. And that could risk your entire portfolio.

Ideally, you want to strike a balance between a range of shares at several different yields to hedge against volatility and protect your portfolio from fluctuating prices.

The post How much superannuation do I need to earn $2,000 per week in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• BHP shares fall as mining operations grind to a halt
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the most popular ASX share superannuation investments in SMSFs

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has positions in BHP 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 positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

AMP vs Perpetual shares: which ASX financial is better value?

Choosing between AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) and Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) means sizing up two ASX-listed financial veterans with serious pedigree but starkly different value stories. AMP has been shaking things up in recent years, while Perpetual’s recent big acquisition has added scale and diversification. For investors chasing value or dividends from the financial sector, there are some eye-catching contrasts here.

The case for AMP

AMP is one of Australia’s oldest names in finance, with roots going back more than 170 years. Originally a mutual providing life insurance, AMP today offers superannuation, investment management, banking, and insurances to millions of Australians and corporate customers. According to its most recent public profile, AMP offloaded Collimate Capital and reshaped its advice business through a joint venture—moves designed to leave behind legacy issues and focus on a simpler, stronger core.

What jumps out from AMP’s fundamentals is its robust share price run, up 41.2% year to date. That’s streets ahead of the broader financials sector and reflects a major rebound in market confidence. The current P/E ratio (34.05) shows the market’s expectations for at least steady profitability, alongside a modest EPS of 7.4 cents per share. Dividend yield sits at 1.98%, lower than most sector peers, with partial franking of 20%. This is a far cry from AMP’s rich historical income, but it’s a reflection of how the company has prioritised capital strength and repositioning in recent years.

The case for Perpetual

Perpetual is another stalwart, best known as an active asset manager and trusted trustee. The company, founded in 1886, has three distinct but complementary arms: investments, private wealth (serving high net-worth clients), and corporate trust services. Perpetual’s defining recent move was its acquisition of the Pendal Group in early 2023, creating a $200 billion global multi-boutique asset manager. That’s turned PPT into a true global player rather than just an Aussie incumbent.

Looking at the data, Perpetual trades on a P/E of 37.6, which is slightly higher than AMP’s. Their EPS, however, is negative at -16.2 cents—something not reflected in the P/E (suggesting this is based on an adjusted or forward earnings measure). The standout for value-oriented investors? PPT’s dividend yield is a chunky 6.22%—about three times AMP’s—though current franking is not disclosed in the latest figures. The dividend per share for the past year stands at $1.26, which dwarfs AMP’s 5 cents per share. Year to date, Perpetual shares are up 11.6%: solid, but outpaced by AMP’s rally.

Valuation comparison

Here are the clearest side-by-side metrics from the data provided:

	AMP	Perpetual
Market Cap	$6.20 billion	$1.93 billion
P/E Ratio	34.05	37.60
Earnings per share (EPS)	0.074	-0.162
Dividend Yield	1.98%	6.22%
Dividend per share	$0.05	$1.26
Franking	20%	–
Year To Date Return	41.2%	11.6%

Note: Perpetual’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure (perhaps underlying or forward earnings), as its latest EPS is negative while its P/E is positive.

If you’re hunting for yield, Perpetual jumps out: a 6.22% yield on a 20+ dollar share price is a big income carrot, even as franking on recent dividends appears mixed or undisclosed. AMP, meanwhile, is trading on a lower yield but with franking at 20%. Both carry high-ish P/E ratios for financials, though these aren’t directly comparable to banks and insurers, as both companies have unique business models and periodic restructuring noise affecting their numbers.

Recent share price performance

Comparing the period 25 August – 21 September 2026:

• AMP: AMP shares climbed from $2.40 to $2.55, up about 6.3% during this stretch, in line with a strong year-to-date move of 41.2%.
• Perpetual: PPT was notably volatile—shares began the period at $19.68 and closed at $16.64, a slide of about 15.5%. Notably, the biggest drop came on 21 September 2026, with the stock shedding 15.1% in a single day. Year to date though, the shares are still up 11.6%.

Which is the better buy?

If you’re after explosive price momentum, AMP has been on an absolute tear this year, with a 41% year-to-date gain and resilience even as its dividend story remains muted. For those prioritising yield, Perpetual offers three times the dividend payout and a historical commitment to income, but its negative EPS raises questions about underlying earnings power right now—and the stock has taken a beating in September.

Based on this snapshot, I’d lean toward Perpetual as better value for income investors who want fat, frequent dividends and some leverage to a global funds management franchise. However, the recent price wobble and negative EPS give me pause: this is not a “set and forget” investment and will likely see more volatility as Pendal integration plays out.

For growth-oriented or turnaround hunters, AMP’s strong price run and ongoing simplification make it a more energetic, if riskier, story—but the low yield means it’s less rewarding for patient dividend collectors.

My pick, for pure value and income, would be Perpetual—cautiously, with eyes wide open to volatility and the need for the business to get earnings back on a growth track.

The post AMP vs Perpetual: Which ASX financial stock is better value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Viva Energy, Codan, AMP shares reach 52-week highs: How much higher can they go?
• Buy, sell, hold: AMP, Wesfarmers, Woodside shares
• Perpetual rejects EQT’s final offer and confirms asset sale plans
• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a tough Thursday session today, dragging the value of many ASX shares lower. After what has been a relatively positive week for the share market, investors were not in a good mood today, with the ASX 200 opening sharply lower and staying down all session.

By the time trading wrapped up, the index had lost 0.71%, closing at a flat 8,702 points.

This rough day for the ASX followed a similarly bearish session over on the US markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was not in favour, losing 0.68% of its value.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even worse, diving 1.13%.

But let’s return to the local markets now though and dig a little deeper into what was happening with the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

There were only a handful of sectors that managed to come out unscathed from today’s trading.

But first, it was gold stocks that were hit the hardest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was smashed, tanking 2.25%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were punished too, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) plunging 1.95%.

We could say the same for mining shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) cratered by 1.46% this session.

Communications stocks weren’t popular either, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 1.07% tumble.

Financial shares weren’t riding to the rescue. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) had 1.07% shaved from its value.

Industrial stocks were our last losers of the day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.2%.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was energy shares that were treated the most kindly. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) saw its value surge 1.17% this Thursday.

Consumer staples stocks held their value too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.36% rise.

Utilities shares were also in that ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumped 0.29% today.

Tech stocks were right behind, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) advancing 0.25%.

Healthcare shares tied that result. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) also added 0.125% to its value.

Finally, consumer discretionary stocks managed to stay above water, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.09% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our Thursday winner was retail stock Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV). Premier shares rocketed 7.08% higher today, finishing up at $11.95 each.

This big move came after the company reported its full-year results, which clearly impressed the market.

Here’s how the other top stocks landed their planes:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)	$11.95	7.08%
Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL)	$23.13	6.84%
Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)	$48.33	6.20%
Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS)	$5.16	5.74%
Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL)	$11.31	2.35%
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)	$43.71	2.20%
BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)	$30.70	2.30%
TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)	$29.65	2.14%
Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)	$30.56	2.10%
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)	$8.55	1.79%

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why are Premier Investments shares trading higher today?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell, Data#3, and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.