• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $100,000 annual passive income?

    Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.

    I love the idea of investing for the long term and building significant cash flow for retirement. Superannuation could be the best place to invest for those goals.

    If I’m working full-time and want to invest, putting money into shares in my own name could mean paying at least 30% tax on investment returns. Investing through superannuation could mean paying a tax rate of half that.

    One of the main perceived negatives of superannuation is that the money is locked away for so long. It’s true that the money contributed to superannuation may not be accessible for decades. But that’s the point – we’re saving for retirement.

    With mandatory contributions (and possibly topped up by additional amounts), investors can build towards a very pleasing net worth.

    When it comes to building annual passive income, tax can play an important part because the income we can spend/invest is what we earn after tax. So, the tax rate affecting our investments is important.

    Reaching $100,000 in annual passive income can be assisted by using superannuation, due to lower taxes during the accumulation phase and in retirement. Investing in our own name as an individual can come with higher taxes throughout life compared to the superannuation tax rate.

    Let’s look at what is needed to make $100,000 of dividends within superannuation, while ignoring tax from now on because everyone has a different tax position.

    Dividend yields are important

    Any share investment that pays a dividend has a dividend yield.

    That dividend yield is decided by how much of its annual earnings it pays out – the dividend payout ratio – and the valuation of the business.

    A business can be valued in many ways, such as its price-earnings (P/E) ratio, the price-to-book ratio, and so on. The more expensive an asset is, the lower the dividend yield becomes.

    Investors seeking dividend income will probably hunt for a solid dividend yield, but I think yields can be excessive if the dividend payout ratio gets too high, so I wouldn’t fill my portfolio with the highest yields I can find.

    How large an investment balance needs to be to generate $100,000 of annual passive income depends on the dividend yield.

    For example, if a portfolio had a dividend yield of 4%, it would need to be $2.5 million in size.

    If the portfolio had a 5% dividend yield, it would need to be a $2 million portfolio.

    A portfolio with a 6% dividend yield would require a $1.67 million portfolio.

    Each portfolio yield comes with a different target, so it depends on what sorts of ASX shares investors buy.

    So, let’s run through some businesses with their dividend yields.

    Examples of top ASX shares with their dividend yields

    I think investors should focus on the forecast upcoming payments where possible, rather than the past dividends. Forecasts are either from CMC Invest or the business itself. So, I’ll largely be looking at forecast grossed-up dividend yields, including franking credits if that’s relevant.

    First, I’ll mention a couple of blue chips for superannuation dividend investing. In FY27, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is forecast to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.2%, and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is projected to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.5%.

    Real estate investment trust (REIT) yields are looking particularly appealing following elevated interest rates. For example, Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) is projected to pay a distribution yield of 6.2%, and Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) is forecast to pay a distribution yield of 7.8%.

    Finally, I’m a big fan of compelling investment businesses with good investment strategies. Three of my favourites include Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL), with a current grossed-up dividend yield of 3.4%, L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF), with a current grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5%, and MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF), with a current grossed-up dividend yield of 6.7%.

    The above ASX shares, and others, could be great contenders to produce an annual passive income of $100,000.

    The post How much is needed in superannuation to target a $100,000 annual passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra Group right now?

    Before you buy Telstra Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Telstra Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund, Mff Capital Investments, and 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 Mff Capital Investments, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.

    It was a pleasant end to a bumpy week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the broader Australian share market this Friday. After yesterday’s depressing session, investors returned to trading this morning with a renewed sense of optimism, with ASX shares starting strong and staying in positive territory all day.

    By the time the closing bell rang, the ASX 200 had added 0.64% to its total. That leaves the index at 8,716.6 points as we head into the weekend.

    This happy ending for the local trading week came after a more nuanced morning on Wall Street.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) put on a decent show, rising 0.1%.

    However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn’t so lucky, dropping a hefty 1.25%.

    But let’s get back to the ASX now and take a closer look at how the various ASX sectors fared this Friday.

    Winners and losers

    There were only two corners of the market that missed out on a gain today.

    The first, and worst, of those unlucky sectors was communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was left out today, falling 0.56%.

    Mining stocks were also unlucky, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) sliding down 0.03%.

    It was all smiles everywhere else, though. Leading the winners were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a veritable party, rocketing 2.23% higher.

    Consumer discretionary stocks were right behind that, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 2.16% surge.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) soared up 1.88% this session.

    Gold shares were in demand too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) galloping 1.87% higher.

    Next came utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) added 1.75% to its total.

    Consumer staples shares didn’t miss out either, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 1.25% jump.

    Healthcare stocks were in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was upgraded by 1.15%.

    Next, we had industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) leaping 0.87%.

    Financial stocks also had a day to remember. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up lifting 0.49%.

    Finally, energy shares recorded a win, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 0.22% uptick.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Topping the charts this session was financial services stock Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG). Generation Group shares roared 7.31% higher this session to close at $2.79.

    There wasn’t any news out from the company, but perhaps this was a rebound from recent lows.

    Here’s the rest of today’s best:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) $2.79 7.31%
    West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) $3.69 5.43%
    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) $23.57 5.04%
    Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) $5.19 4.64%
    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) $165.73 4.50%
    Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) $116.00 4.50%
    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) $8.56 4.39%
    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) $33.63 4.25%
    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) $20.34 4.15%
    Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) $7.37 3.95%

    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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Generation Development Group right now?

    Before you buy Generation Development Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Generation Development Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Life360, Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, The Lottery Corporation, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Generation Development Group, Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, Pro Medicus, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Do you own this ASX dividend ETF? Fundie explains why ‘we aren’t fans’

    Man with his hands out as if pondering his options.

    The average dividend yield of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 4.2%, or 6% gross with 100% franking.

    That compares to a risk-free return rate of 5.5% on plain old savings accounts these days.

    Some investors may feel the risk-reward of ASX dividend shares and ETFs is less than compelling right now.

    However, some ASX ETFs can deliver higher than average dividends if their strategies work out.

    One ETF that aims to maximise income is the Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX).

    At the time of writing, YMAX ETF is trading on a trailing 12-month gross distribution yield of 10.5%.

    What this ASX dividend ETF does differently

    The first part of this Betashares ETF’s strategy is obvious: it invests in the top 20 stocks, which all pay reliable dividends.

    The top holdings are BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) (18.6%), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) (14.8%), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) (7.1%), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) (6.9%), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) (6.7%) shares.

    In addition, YMAX ETF also sells covered call options on its shares to generate extra income from the option premiums.

    How it works is that YMAX sells options to investors, and each option has a strike price.

    If a share’s value rises above the strike price, the option owner has the right to buy the shares from YMAX at that price.

    They can then sell the shares and make a profit on the difference between the strike price and current market value.

    If the share does not go above the strike price, the option holder is unlikely to exercise the option.

    YMAX simply keeps the premium, and no trade occurs.

    The income from the options premiums provides a partial hedge against share price falls. This protects YMAX investors in falling markets.

    In the calendar year to date, the ASX 200 has fallen 0.2%.

    Fundie explains why ‘we’re not fans’

    The YMAX ETF is currently $7.27 per unit, up 1% on Friday.

    The Market Matters team is neutral towards the YMAX ETF around the $7 mark.

    In a recent newsletter, James Gerrish from Market Matters said:

    We aren’t fans of the YMAX, its performance has been lacking in our opinion, just when it should have shined.

    The fundie explained:

    The YMAX has struggled in 2026 relative to its peers, gaining just +3.1% year-to-date.

    Given its income-focused strategy and the current choppy market environment, we would have expected more from the fund, particularly compared to its peers.

    YMAX ETF’s management fee and expenses are 0.64%.

    The post Do you own this ASX dividend ETF? Fundie explains why ‘we aren’t fans’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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