Who doesn’t want their superannuation working harder than they do?

For many Australians, super is the most tax-effective way to build long-term passive income. While you generally can’t access it until retirement, the payoff is generous tax concessions while you’re accumulating wealth and, potentially, tax-free income in retirement.

So, how much superannuation do you actually need to generate $5,000 a month in passive income?

The answer might be simpler than you think.

It all comes down to dividend yield

A monthly passive income of $5,000 equals $60,000 a year.

From there, it’s just a numbers game. Divide your desired annual income by the dividend yield of your portfolio, and you’ll have a rough estimate of the super balance required.

For example, a superannuation portfolio yielding 3% would require around $2 million to generate $60,000 in annual dividend income. Lift that yield to 4%, and the required balance falls to roughly $1.5 million.

At a 5% yield, you’d need around $1.2 million, while a portfolio generating 6% income could potentially produce the same annual passive income with approximately $1 million invested.

The lesson? The higher your portfolio’s dividend yield, the less capital you need to generate the same income.

Of course, there’s a catch.

Yield isn’t everything

A sky-high dividend yield might look attractive, but it can sometimes signal trouble ahead. If a company’s earnings weaken, today’s generous dividend could become tomorrow’s dividend cut.

That’s why many experienced investors focus on companies that can consistently grow their superannuation, profits and dividends over time, rather than simply chasing the highest yield available.

For investors seeking lower but dependable yields, companies like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) have historically offered yields of around 2% to 3%, alongside solid long-term growth.

Those wanting a balance between income and stability could consider businesses such as Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), or ASX blue-chip BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), which have typically provided dividend yields in the 3% to 4% range, although payouts naturally fluctuate.

For investors primarily focused on maximising income, options such as BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX), MFF Capital Investments Ltd  (ASX: MFF), WCM Global Ltd (ASX: WQG) may be worth exploring.

Foolish takeaway

There isn’t one magic super balance that guarantees $5,000 a month in passive income. It all depends on the investments you own, the income they produce, and whether those dividends remain sustainable.

As a general guide, though, investors are likely to need somewhere between $1 million and $2 million invested in quality income-producing assets to generate $60,000 a year, depending on the average dividend yield of their portfolio.

The earlier you start building your superannuation, the more time compounding has to do the heavy lifting. That’s one advantage no investor should overlook.

The post How much superannuation do you need to earn $5,000 a month in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Up 12% in 2026! Are Wesfarmers shares now too expensive?
• How much could a $500,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends?
• Should you buy BHP shares FY27? Here’s what experts are saying
• Do you want to earn passive income from your superannuation? Here’s a guide to get you started

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Transurban Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mff Capital Investments, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

While the ASX has had a slow year in 2026, there are several emerging themes that have brought investors strong returns. 

Exploring the ASX ETFs that have captured momentum is a great way to identify opportunities. 

These opportunities stretch across global markets and sectors underrepresented here in Australia. 

ASX ETFs that capture these sectors provide investors with a chance to diversify away from ASX focussed portfolios. 

Here are three funds that have raced ahead of the ASX this year. 

Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE)

This ASX ETF invests in companies that may benefit from further advances in genomic science. This includes companies involved in gene editing, genomic sequencing, genetic medicine/therapy, computational genomics, and biotechnology.

The fund provides global exposure to emerging areas within the Health Care sector, at the intersection of science and technology.

Examples of biotechnology companies include those focused on immunotherapy treatments and vaccines to treat human disease. 

As many investors are aware, healthcare and technology are heavily underrepresented on the ASX compared with sectors such as resources and financials. 

This fund could attract investors looking to allocate funding to these sectors that are more prominent in the US. 

The fund has rocketed over the last month, and is subsequently up 25% year to date. 

VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE)

This ASX ETF gives investors a diversified portfolio of 30 of the largest and most liquid companies involved in clean energy production and associated technology and clean energy equipment globally.

It targets businesses related to clean energy production and associated technology and equipment globally, from both developed and emerging markets. 

Relevant business activities include but are not limited to:

• Biofuel & biomass energy production, technology & equipment
• Ethanol & fuel alcohol production
• Fuel cells technology & equipment
• Geothermal energy production
• Hydro electricity production, turbines & other equipment
• Solar energy production, photo voltaic cells & equipment
• Wind energy production, turbines & other equipment. 

Year to date, it has risen an impressive 14%. 

BetaShares Japan ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HJPN)

This ASX ETF tracks the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides diversified exposure to the largest globally competitive Japanese companies.

Japan has emerged as one of the most compelling markets for long-term investors after decades of deflation and muted investor interest. 

A combination of structural changes is reshaping the investment landscape, while corporate governance reforms are now gaining momentum. 

These tailwinds have contributed to this ASX ETF rising 18% year to date and 47% in the last 12 months. 

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

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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares lifted 2.77% and delivered a total return, including dividends, of 7% in FY26.

On The Bull this week, two experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s take a look.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

Materials was the strongest sector of FY26, rising 47% and producing a total return of 52% for investors.

The Regis Resources share price increased 37% to finish the year at $6.03.

Regis Resources benefitted from an 18% lift in the gold price last financial year.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on this ASX 200 gold share for FY27.

He said:

Unaudited gold production of 101,500 ounces in the June quarter of 2026 was up 12 per cent on the prior quarter.

Group gold production guidance for full year 2026 is at the top end of guidance at 379,000 ounces.

The company had $1.21 billion in cash and bullion on hand at June 30, 2026, an increase of $692 million over the full financial year.

Earnings remain highly sensitive to gold price movements.

However, improving cash generation and a stronger balance sheet provide support through the cycle.

Regis remains a clean, leveraged expression to the gold theme.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths was the top-performing company for capital growth within the ASX 200 consumer staples sector in FY26.

The Woolworths share price rose 29% to finish the year at $40.03 on 30 June.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a hold rating on Woolworths shares.

He explained:

The supermarket giant generates a strong return on equity, but profits are tighter.

The company generated group sales of $18.1 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4.5 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Guidance for reported full year 2026 Australian food earnings before interest and tax growth is expected to be in the mid to high single digit range, but no longer at the upper end of the range.

Defensive earnings from supermarkets should underpin its business despite the weakening Australian economy.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price ripped 188% to finish FY26 at $62.65. 

Mineral Resources stock was on the rebound last financial year after a shocker in FY25.

Soaring lithium prices and the ramp-up of its Onslow iron ore project contributed to stronger earnings in the first half.

Mineral Resources reported its strongest half-year result ever with record revenue of $3.1 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26.

Athanasiou has a sell rating on this ASX 200 mining share.

He 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.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Regis Resources, Mineral Resources, Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much could a $500,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends?
• ASX consumer staples shares are quietly surging while the rest of the market stalls. Here is why
• Regis Resources steps back from Vault Minerals bid, secures break fee
• Experts name 3 big-name ASX 200 shares to sell
• 10 fantastic ASX shares to buy for FY27

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.