As we pass the halfway mark of the calendar year, exploring the top-performing ASX ETFs can be a great way to assess which sectors and markets are performing well in 2026. 

Global conflict, inflation and high interest rates have dominated headlines this year. 

These have weighed on markets here in Australia. 

As a result, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen just 0.4% year to date. 

However, there have been several ASX ETFs that have shaken headwinds and raced ahead of Australia’s benchmark index. 

Here are three in particular that have performed well this year. 

Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

An emerging theme this year has been the surge in semiconductor-related companies. 

A semiconductor is a material like silicon that can be precisely controlled to conduct or block electricity. This lets engineers build the tiny transistor switches that make up computer chips. 

It’s critical to the AI buildout because every bit of AI training and inference runs on these chips.

This ASX ETF has harnessed this momentum and enjoyed a rise of 66% year to date. 

The fund from Global X seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors. 

Investors have been using a “picks and shovels” approach to AI, which has benefited this fund. 

During a gold rush, the safer bet isn’t panning for gold yourself, it’s selling the pickaxes to everyone who is. 

Investors are applying the same logic to AI. They are essentially moving money into companies that supply the AI buildout rather than betting on which AI application or model wins.

Global X Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: BUGG)

Another strong-performing fund this year has been this cybersecurity-focused ETF.

It seeks to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the increased adoption of cybersecurity technology, particularly those whose principal business is in the development and management of security protocols preventing intrusion and attacks on systems, networks, applications, computers, and mobile devices.

Increasing reliance on digital ecosystems has left individuals, businesses, and governments vulnerable to the exponential rise of cyber threats, and this has led to increased investment in the sector. 

This growth has led to a 21% rise for this fund year to date. 

Betashares Global Momentum ETF (ASX: GTUM)

This ASX ETF is one of the newest funds on the ASX – listing in February this year. 

In just a short span, it has made a big impact, rising 18% in that period. 

GTUM aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) comprising a portfolio of global developed markets companies (excluding Australia) with above average momentum scores, as measured by risk-adjusted returns.

The Index ranks stocks within the eligible universe based on 6 and 12-month risk adjusted returns to target more sustainable positive momentum over sharp, highly volatile run-ups. 

Stocks displaying consistently strong positive momentum over recent history are rewarded with higher weights in the index.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs to own right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Own FANG, WIRE or SEMI ETF? Global X just revealed your next dividend
• 3 high-quality ASX ETFs at 52-week highs I’d still buy

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares closed around 1% higher on Thursday afternoon, at $125.53 a piece.

The increase continues the biotech company’s strong rally over the past month or so. 

The shares have now climbed around 26% over the past month, and have now rebounded 36% from a 10-year low in early June.

It’s good news for investors, but there is still some way to go before the stock recoups the huge losses it shed this year.

Even after the rebound, CSL shares are still down 27% for the year-to-date, and are 48% lower than 12 months ago.

Why are CSL shares finally rebounding?

It looks like investors have finally recognised that the ASX healthcare share reached a price point well below fair value.

After such a huge share price drop in early 2026, it looks like even nervous investors now consider that the bad news and earnings outlook downgrade is priced in. 

Momentum has picked up pace recently as bargain-hunting investors take advantage of opportunities in oversold stocks.

But can it keep going?

Can they keep climbing higher?

I think the latest increase shows that investors are now looking forward to whether management can improve operations, and if so, what CSL’s FY27 and FY28 earnings might look like.

I think there is a lot of potential too. After all, CSL is operating in a high-growth market, and its blood plasma division dominates the market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products. 

Global demand for plasma therapies is strong and growing, too. There is recurring demand and limited competition, which makes CSL well-placed to carve out a significant portion of the market.

I think that once CSL is able to turn around its financials, investor confidence will follow.

Here’s what the experts tip for CSL shares

Market sentiment for CSL shares looks to have shifted slightly, and analysts are now divided about how much further they can climb.

Although they do agree there will be some element of upside ahead.

Market Index data shows most brokers (seven out of nine) have a hold rating on CSL shares. However, the $131.48 target price implies a potential 4% upside, at the time of writing.

TradingView data also shows that, of 18 analysts, 10 have a hold rating and another eight have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. 

The average $140.15 target price implies a potential 11% upside at the time of writing. However, some analysts tip the ASX healthcare shares to fall around 17% to $104.55, while others forecast CSL shares to jump around 58% higher to $199.68, at the time of writing.

Morgans is one optimistic broker. It has a buy rating with a price target of $147.59.

The team at Macquarie is more cautious. The broker has a lower price target of $114 and a neutral stance. It cites uncertainty across CSL’s core plasma and albumin businesses, as well as ongoing competitive pressures.

The post Up 36%: Can CSL shares keep rebounding? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX blue-chip shares that could be strong long-term value plays
• Which ASX 200 sectors paid the highest dividend yields in FY26?
• Is CSL a fallen ASX giant to buy in July?
• The only 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy and hold until 2036
• July is historically one of the best months for ASX shares. Can July FY27 deliver?

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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Superannuation can be a powerful place to build passive income for retirement.

It gives investors a long time horizon, tax advantages, and the ability to keep compounding returns over many years.

But how much super would someone actually need to generate $52,000 per year in passive income?

Let’s break it down.

$52,000 per year in passive income

A passive income target of $52,000 per year works out to $1,000 a week or around $4,333 per month.

That could be a useful amount for many retirees. It could help cover everyday living costs, bills, insurance, travel, healthcare, or simply provide more breathing room in retirement.

This would leave most Australians well-placed for a comfortable retirement.

How much superannuation is needed?

If a superannuation portfolio generated a 3% dividend yield, it would need to be worth around $1.73 million to produce $52,000 per year in passive income.

That is a large amount of money, but it is worth noting that the required balance falls as the portfolio yield rises.

A 4% yield would require a balance of around $1.3 million. A 5% yield would require approximately $1.04 million. A 6% yield would need about $867,000, while a 7% yield would require roughly $743,000.

That shows why yield makes such a big difference.

The same $52,000 income target can require a very different super balance depending on the investments selected.

Should investors chase the highest yield?

A higher yield can make the numbers look more achievable, but it can also introduce more risk.

The highest-yielding ASX shares are not always the safest income options.

Sometimes a very high dividend yield appears because the share price has fallen sharply and the market expects the dividend to be cut. In other cases, the company may be under pressure from weaker earnings, rising debt, lower commodity prices, or a cyclical downturn.

A better approach is to look for income that can be sustained. That means focusing on companies with reliable cash flow, sensible payout ratios, strong balance sheets, and businesses that can continue operating through different economic conditions.

A portfolio built only around maximum yield can become fragile. But a portfolio built around quality income has a better chance of lasting.

What could a passive income portfolio include?

ASX shares can be useful inside superannuation because many pay dividends and some come with franking credits.

Large banks, infrastructure shares, property trusts, telecommunications companies, retailers, and listed investment companies can all play a role.

Examples could include income-focused blue chips such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Investors looking for property or infrastructure-style income might consider names such as Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW), APA Group (ASX: APA), or Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

Listed investment companies and dividend-focused ETFs can also help spread income across a wider range of holdings.

Foolish takeaway

A $52,000 annual passive income stream from superannuation is possible, but it generally requires a sizeable portfolio.

The rough balance needed could range from about $743,000 at a 7% yield to $1.73 million at a 3% yield.

Most investors may prefer to sit somewhere in the middle, balancing income with quality, diversification, and long-term capital preservation.

But it is always worth remembering that the goal is not just to reach $52,000 in one year. It is to build an income stream that can keep supporting retirement for many years to come.

The post How much do I need in my superannuation to get $52,000 per year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX 200 sectors paid the highest dividend yields in FY26?
• Wesfarmers shares are closing in on record highs. Buy, hold or sell?
• Dump ’em! Morgan Stanley slaps sell ratings on 5 ASX 200 shares
• 9 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week
• How to build $60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares

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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.