Author: openjargon

Investing in your 30s is all about time and opportunity. With decades ahead before retirement, investors are in a strong position to prioritise growth and let compounding do the heavy lifting. That often means leaning into higher-growth areas of the market and accepting some volatility along the way.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this easy, offering access to powerful long-term trends through a single investment.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be well suited for investors in their 30s.

Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

The first ASX ETF that could be a top pick is the Global X FANG+ ETF.

This fund takes a concentrated approach, investing in a small group of global technology and innovation leaders. Its holdings include companies like NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).

Rather than spreading exposure broadly, this fund leans heavily into the businesses shaping the future of the global economy.

For investors in their 30s, this kind of exposure can be powerful. These companies are at the forefront of trends such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

While the ETF can be volatile, its growth potential over the long term could be significant if these trends continue to play out. It was recently recommended by analysts at Bell Potter.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, including names like Tencent (SEHK: 700), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

This is important because much of the world’s future growth is expected to come from Asia.

For investors in their 30s, adding exposure beyond Australia and the United States can help diversify growth opportunities. The region is home to rapidly expanding digital economies, rising middle classes, and increasing technology adoption.

While there are risks, including regulatory uncertainty, the long-term growth story remains compelling. It was recently recommended by the team at BetaShares.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

A third ASX ETF that could be a strong option is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund offers exposure to Australia’s leading technology companies, including Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

While the Australian tech sector is smaller than its global peers, it has produced a number of high-quality, globally competitive businesses.

For investors in their 30s, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF provides a way to back local innovation and growth stories. It also adds a different dynamic to a portfolio that may already be heavily weighted toward international tech. It was also recommended by BetaShares recently.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for investors in their 30s appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy amid share market rally today: Experts
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036
• Bell Potter names 2 of the best ASX ETFs to buy now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Technology One, Tencent, Tesla, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are not many S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that have a long-term track record of resilient payments. But, there are a few ASX 200 dividend stocks that I think could be particularly good long-term buys.

One of the businesses I want to highlight is APA Group (ASX: APA). I think it’s one of the most defensive ASX shares that Australians can buy.

If I had $1,000 to invest in a reliable ASX 200 dividend stock, APA would be one of the top options to consider, along with Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).

Why APA is a great ASX 200 dividend stock

One of the most appealing things about the business is that it has increased its payout every year since 2004, which is the second-longest streak of annual passive income on the ASX.

Dividend growth isn’t guaranteed from any particular business, but it is clear which businesses are making an effort to increase their payouts. If an ASX 200 dividend stock has a history of dividend growth, I think it’s likely that the leadership will want to continue that streak.

APA is expecting to increase its FY26 annual payout to 58 cents per security, which translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.8%, at the time of writing.

The business has been able to grow its distribution so consistently because the energy infrastructure business has invested in expanding its portfolio of energy assets. Additionally, most of its revenue is linked to inflation, meaning there’s steady organic growth for revenue, net profit and cash flow – those metrics are key for affording its current and future payouts.

APA has a number of plans to help grow its business. One is expanding its gas pipeline network to help take more gas from sources of supply to where it’s needed in the country with strong demand.

Additionally, APA is working on a gas power plant in Queensland which help grow and diversify its earnings.

How much we could buy today

At the time of writing and the current APA share price, investors would be able to buy 100 APA shares if they had $1,000 to invest in it.

If someone did invest that much, then they’d receive $58 of annual passive income in the first year. I’m optimistic the business can grow its payout in the years ahead, particularly as it builds out its project pipeline and invests in the occasional acquisition.

While it’s not a high-flying growth stock, I think it can be viewed as an attractive idea for the long-term as part of an ASX 200 dividend stock portfolio.

The post $1,000 buys 100 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX 200 dividend stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Apa 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.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this burrito seller’s shares with an improved price target of $26.70. Morgans was pleased with the company’s third-quarter update last week. It highlights that Guzman Y Gomez delivered a meaningful acceleration in Australian comparable store sales growth. It believes this provides tangible evidence that the business is executing well against a challenging consumer backdrop. In addition, Morgans points out that transaction growth continued to outpace comparable store sales growth. This maintains the company’s growth strategy to be volume and frequency-led rather than price-driven. The Guzman Y Gomez share price ended the week at $20.68.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to a buy rating with a $26.00 price target. UBS points out that Lovisa’s shares have fallen heavily this year. This has been driven by concerns over slower store growth, softer like-for-like sales in the Australian market, and ongoing losses from the new Jewells store brand. However, the broker believes much of this is now priced in. Furthermore, it believes the resilience of Lovisa’s youth-focused, low price point offering is underappreciated by the market, and expects management to prevent sustained losses from Jewells. This will be by either fixing the business or considering a closure. The Lovisa share price was fetching $23.32 at Friday’s close.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this pharmacy chain operator and wholesale distributor’s shares to a buy rating with a $3.36 price target. According to the note, the broker is forecasting Sigma to deliver strong earnings growth over the medium term. This is expected to be supported by same store sales growth, store rollouts, and synergies from the Chemist Warehouse merger. In light of this and recent share price weakness, Morgans sees now as a good time to invest. The Sigma Healthcare share price ended the week at $2.69.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 financial shares led the market during the short trading week, rising 6.53%, with materials not far behind with a 6.33% gain.

The market was closed on Monday as Australians celebrated Easter.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ripped 4.41% to 8,960.6 points over the four trading days.

The remarkable recovery followed news of a two-week ceasefire deal between the US and Iran.

ASX investors hope this will pave the way toward an end to the war in Iran.

Investors continued to buy the dip last week following the steep sell-off over the first three weeks of March.

ASX 200 shares fell 9.1% between 2 March and 23 March before a rebound began, with the index now up 7.1% since then.

James Gerrish from Shaw and Partners says “war fear” in the market is fading but “we’re not out of the woods yet”.

Businesses across multiple sectors are still assessing the impact of the oil shock, which is likely to reverberate for months to come.

Let’s recap the week.

Financial shares led the ASX sectors last week

The ASX 200 financial sector incorporates bank shares, insurers, fund managers, financial services providers, and more.

Let’s take a look at how some of these ASX financial stocks performed last week.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price rose 5.98% to close at $183.38 on Friday.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares lifted 6.31% to $38.84.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares ascended 6.87% to $42.77.

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price spiked 9.06% to $45.36.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price soared 9.3% to finish the week at $225.

Among the ASX 200 investment companies and fund managers, GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) shares fell 0.28% to $1.78.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shares fell 0.84% to $9.45 amid a shareholder vote on the Barrenjoey merger on Friday.

Magellan announced it had received more than 90% approval from shareholders.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares lifted 3.92% to $42.98.

Among the financial services providers, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares lifted 6.06% to $1.37.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price lost 2.6% to close at $8.07 on Friday.

ASX 200 buy now, pay later share Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) ripped 16.5% to $1.85.

Among the insurers, Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares fell 1.03% to $7.21.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares lifted 1.92% to $4.52.

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price ascended 4.13% to $22.46.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the four trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	6.53%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	6.33%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	4.77%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	3.78%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	2.79%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	2.32%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	1.16%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	1.12%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	(0.32%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(0.9%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(4%)

Looking for inspiration after the March sell-off?

Check out these 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy consensus ratings after last month’s turmoil.

The post ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
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• 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off
• 3 ASX 200 stocks surging 13% to 36% in this shortened trading week

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial Group and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building a portfolio from scratch can feel like a big task.

But it does not have to be complicated. In fact, a well-constructed portfolio of just 10 ASX shares can provide diversification, income, and long-term growth potential.

The key is balance. You want exposure to different sectors, business models, and growth drivers so you are not relying on just one theme to succeed.

Here is one way investors could build a winning 10-ASX share portfolio in 2026.

Start with high-quality core holdings

The first ASX share that could anchor a portfolio is CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

CSL is a global healthcare leader with defensive earnings and long-term growth drivers. Demand for its therapies is supported by ageing populations and rising healthcare needs, making it a strong foundation.

Another ASX share that could play a similar role is Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Wesfarmers offers diversification through retail, chemicals, and industrial operations. Its ability to allocate capital effectively has been a key driver of long-term returns.

A third ASX share to consider is Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

While not the cheapest bank, CBA provides reliable earnings and fully franked dividends, making it a cornerstone for many Australian portfolios.

Add growth engines to drive returns

A fourth ASX share that could boost long-term returns is Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Xero continues to expand globally, with its cloud accounting platform gaining traction in multiple markets. It represents a scalable growth opportunity.

Another ASX share that could fit here is WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global logistics, giving it strong competitive advantages and a long runway for growth.

A sixth ASX share to consider is Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Pro Medicus is a high-margin healthcare technology company that continues to win major contracts globally. Its growth profile remains very strong.

Include income and stability

A seventh ASX share that could add income is Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Telstra offers attractive dividend yields and is now focused on growth through its Connected Future 30 strategy, combining income with improving fundamentals.

Another ASX share in this category is Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

Transurban provides steady, inflation-linked cash flows from its toll road assets, making it a reliable income generator.

Add structural and thematic exposure

A ninth ASX share that could round out the portfolio is Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Goodman provides exposure to logistics and data infrastructure, both of which are benefiting from e-commerce and digitalisation trends.

Finally, a tenth ASX share to consider is Life360 Inc (ASX: 360).

Life360 offers exposure to a growing global user platform that is increasingly monetising its base. It adds a higher-risk, higher-reward element to the portfolio.

The bottom line

A 10-share portfolio like this gives investors exposure to defensive healthcare, financials, technology, infrastructure, and emerging growth opportunities.

By combining quality, growth, and income, investors can build a portfolio that is well positioned to navigate different market conditions and deliver strong long-term returns.

The post How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I invest $8,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares
• Why I think CBA shares are a top buy with $5,000
• 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio
• The ASX 200 shares I think smart investors are buying after the tech selloff

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Goodman Group, Life360, Pro Medicus, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Life360, Transurban Group, Wesfarmers, WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Pro Medicus, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares may be among the most popular dividend options due to the company’s perceived stability and dividend yield.

But, the ASX bank share doesn’t usually have as high a dividend yield as its major bank peers, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). But it has a better track record of dividend stability and growth over the last 15 years.

The bank has been growing its payout since the COVID-19 pandemic headwinds in 2020, and the recent FY26 half-year result was another example of the bank’s ability to regularly grow earnings and dividends.

In HY26, CBA decided to hike its interim dividend per share by 4% to $2.35 following a 6% rise in the cash net profit after tax (NPAT) to $5.4 billion.

But, in this article, we’re not thinking about FY26 payments; we’re looking at the annual FY27 dividend, which will be paid in 2027.

2027 dividend projection for owners of CBA shares

According to the projection on CMC Invest, the ASX bank share is projected to pay an annual dividend per share of $5.25 in the 2027 financial year.

At the time of writing, this forecast translates into a dividend yield of 2.9% excluding franking credits and a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1% including franking credits.

If someone were to invest $8,000 in Commonwealth Bank, they would be able to buy 43 CBA shares (with a little bit of money left over).

With those 43 CBA shares, investors could receive $225.75 of cash and $322.50 overall, including the franking credits.

Is this a good time to invest in Commonwealth Bank?

According to CMC Invest, there have been nine analyst ratings calls on the business in the last three months.

Of those nine, all of them have been a sell rating. So, the investment professionals are very negative on the appeal of the company’s valuation right now.

The average price target of those nine ratings is $125.17. That means, collectively, those analysts are predicting the CBA share price could fall by around 30% within the next year. In January, Commonwealth Bank’s share price fell to below $150, but it has since jumped higher on a strong FY26 half-year result and a higher prospect of interest rate rises amid stronger inflation.

For now, there seem to be better ASX shares out there that we can buy.

The post If I invest $8,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

Investing in your 50s is often about striking the right balance.

While retirement may still be years away, the focus typically shifts from pure growth to a mix of income, stability, and continued capital appreciation.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to build a diversified portfolio that ticks all of these boxes.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be top picks for investors in their 50s to consider.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The first ASX ETF that could be a top option is the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF.

For investors in their 50s, income often starts to become a bigger priority. This is where this fund stands out.

It focuses on high-yielding Australian shares, giving investors exposure to many of the market’s strongest dividend payers. This typically includes major banks, mining giants, and other established businesses with a history of returning cash to shareholders.

While dividend yields can vary, this fund has traditionally offered an income stream that is competitive with, and often higher than, term deposits.

Importantly, investors are not just getting income. They are also maintaining exposure to the share market, which means there is still potential for capital growth over time.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF.

This fund offers something very valuable for investors in their 50s. Simplicity.

It provides exposure to thousands of companies across global and Australian markets, as well as a smaller allocation to fixed income. All of this is wrapped into a single investment.

Despite its name, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF is not purely aggressive. Its diversified structure means investors benefit from broad exposure across asset classes, helping to smooth returns over time.

For those who prefer a hands-off approach, this ETF can effectively serve as a core portfolio holding. It allows investors to stay invested in growth assets while maintaining diversification that becomes increasingly important as retirement approaches.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

A third ASX ETF that could be a strong addition is the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

Rather than focusing on income, this fund targets high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and competitive advantages.

This includes exposure to leading international businesses such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and other global leaders.

For investors in their 50s, this focus on quality can be particularly appealing. Companies with durable earnings and strong financial positions tend to be more resilient during periods of market volatility.

At the same time, they still offer meaningful growth potential, which is essential for ensuring a portfolio keeps pace with inflation over the long term.

The post Why these ASX ETFs could be top picks for investors in their 50s appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• My top ASX passive income picks for April
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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 positions in and has recommended Apple and Microsoft and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are plenty of options for investors on the local bourse. So many, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at whether analysts rate the popular ASX shares below as buys right now. Here’s what you need to know:

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Bell Potter thinks this family safety technology company could be undervalued at current levels. Last week, the broker put a buy rating and $35.50 price target on its shares.

Although Bell Potter suspects that Life360 could fall short of its monthly active user growth guidance in 2026, it hasn’t made any revisions to its estimates. That’s because it believes it will convert more than expected users into paid subscribers. It explains:

Despite the lowering in our global MAU growth forecast in 2026 there is no change in our revenue or earnings forecasts as, on the flip side, we have increased our conversion rate forecasts so that there is no change in our paying circle forecast for the full year. Our average forecast quarterly conversion rate – measured in crude or broad terms – has increased from 3.4% to 3.5% which is still below the average 3.6% in 2025. We are therefore still modestly below last year’s level which is perhaps conservative given the addition of Pet GPS but there was an unusual spike in the conversion rate in 3Q2025 which we assume is not repeated this year.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Bell Potter has been looking at this gold miner and sees an opportunity for investors. It has put a buy rating and $35.00 price target on its shares. The broker believes a recent share buyback signals value in the underlying business. It said:

NST announced the commencement of an on market Buy-back scheme of up to A$500m, representing ~1.6% of issued capital. The buy-back is separate from the dividend payout policy of 20-30% of cash earnings and will commence on the 23rd of April. The buy-back has minimal impact on our EPS estimates going forward, however the signalling of value in the underlying business is of more importance.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Finally, Morgans has put a buy rating and $3.36 price target on this pharmacy chain operator and wholesale distributor.

It thinks investors should buy the dip after the Chemist Warehouse owner’s shares pulled back recently. It explains:

SIG is a leading healthcare wholesaler, distributor and retail pharmacy franchisor with operations in Australia, NZ, Ireland and the UAE. We are forecasting ~20% EBIT growth p.a. over the next few years driven by strong LFL sales growth, store rollout (domestically and internationally), operating efficiencies and $100m p.a. synergies by FY29. Given the share price weakness, we have upgraded our recommendation to BUY (from ACCUMULATE) with an unchanged target price of $3.36 and 26% upside.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX gold stocks to buy next week
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• Broker sees 26% upside in ASX healthcare share behind Chemist Warehouse
• Are Northern Star shares a cheap buy?
• Here’s why Life360 shares could rise a massive 75%

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Are you looking for exposure to the gold price while it sits around US$5,000 an ounce?

If you are, then it could be worth hearing about which ASX gold stocks analysts at Bell Potter are recommending to clients.

Here’s what the broker is saying about two popular options:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

This gold miner has caught the eye of Bell Potter. It thinks its shares are undervalued compared to peers, especially when you consider its strong long-term production growth outlook.

The broker has a buy rating and $9.90 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $6.54, this implies potential upside of 51% for investors over the next 12 months. It commented:

We remain positive on the outlook for gold, given the ongoing tensions in the Middle East which has seen the commodity recover from recent lows of ~US$4,130/oz up to spot of ~US$4,746/oz (+15% from the low, -7.9% MoM). The GDX appears to have outperformed the underlying commodity, with MoM decline of only -3.16% and a rally from the low in Mar-26 of ~23%. On a 12m forward EV/EBITDA basis GMD has contracted to ~6.2x NTM EBITDA vs its peak of ~8x in Sep-25. This places GMD slightly above Northern Star (NST, Buy TP$35) (5.1x NTM) but below Evolution (EVN, Buy TP$16.60) (7.1x NTM) in our mid-large cap gold coverage.

The upcoming (1QFY27) long-term guidance targeting 500kozpa is likely to focus on two aspects we believe: (1) development of Tower Hill and a standalone 3.5-4Mtpa mill which should offset higher cost processing at Leonora and (2) development for Lady Julie (MAU transaction) which would supplement the Laverton mill with higher grade tonnes.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Another ASX gold stock that Bell Potter is positive on is Northern Star. While its performance has underwhelmed this year with two guidance downgrades, the broker believes management’s recent buy-back is a big positive.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $35.00 price target on the gold miner’s shares. Based on its current share price of $24.48, this implies potential upside of 43% for investors.

NST announced the commencement of an on market Buy-back scheme of up to A$500m, representing ~1.6% of issued capital. The buy-back is separate from the dividend payout policy of 20-30% of cash earnings and will commence on the 23rd of April. The buy-back has minimal impact on our EPS estimates going forward, however the signalling of value in the underlying business is of more importance. As noted above, we see NST as hitting the bottom of production and earnings downgrades, with some margin compression to come from the impact of fuel prices.

The post 2 ASX gold stocks to buy next week 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.

The difference between $100,000 and $600,000 in superannuation is not small. It is enormous.

In fact, it can be the difference between just getting by and living with real financial freedom in retirement.

While both balances may technically support retirement, they sit at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to lifestyle, flexibility, and peace of mind. One leans heavily on government support and careful budgeting. The other opens the door to greater independence and choice.

In 2026, as the cost of living rises and expectations for retirement evolve, that gap has never been more important to understand.

What does retirement actually cost?

To understand the impact of these balances, it helps to look at the benchmarks from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.

According to its latest Retirement Standard, Australians need approximately $630,000 as a single or $730,000 as a couple to achieve a comfortable retirement. A more modest retirement requires far less, at around $110,000 for a single and $120,000 for a couple.

These figures assume retirees own their home and receive at least a part Age Pension, which plays a key role in supporting lower balances.

Life on $100,000 in superannuation

A super balance of $100,000 places someone right around the modest retirement threshold. This means retirement is achievable, but it comes with limitations.

In this scenario, spending tends to be tightly controlled. Everyday expenses can generally be covered, but there is little room for flexibility. Leisure activities may be occasional rather than regular, and larger expenses often require careful planning or sacrifice elsewhere.

Over time, the reliance on the Age Pension becomes central. While this provides a safety net, it also means financial independence is limited. Unexpected costs, whether they are related to health, home maintenance, or rising living expenses, can quickly create pressure.

This kind of retirement is about stability, but it often comes at the expense of freedom.

Life on $600,000 in superannuation

A balance of $600,000 paints a very different picture.

Although it sits slightly below the official comfortable benchmark, it is close enough to deliver a significantly improved lifestyle. The difference is not just in what can be afforded, but in how decisions are made.

With this level of savings, retirees typically have far more flexibility in their spending. There is greater capacity to enjoy leisure activities, maintain a higher standard of living, and absorb unexpected costs without major disruption.

Importantly, reliance on the Age Pension is reduced. That means more control over how money is spent and fewer constraints on lifestyle choices.

This is where retirement begins to feel less like a financial balancing act and more like a phase of life to be enjoyed.

The real difference

The contrast between $100,000 and $600,000 is not simply about spending power.

It is the difference between having to think carefully about every expense and having the confidence to make decisions more freely. It is the difference between a lifestyle defined by limits and one shaped by choice.

While both balances can technically fund retirement, they lead to very different experiences.

Why this is important in 2026

Rising costs and inflation have steadily pushed up the amount Australians need for a comfortable retirement. As a result, the gap between modest and comfortable living has widened.

For many people, this means the difference between these two outcomes is no longer marginal. It is substantial and, in some cases, life-defining.

Understanding this gap is critical, especially for those still in the workforce who have time to influence their final balance.

Closing the gap

The good news is that superannuation outcomes are not fixed.

Even relatively small adjustments can make a meaningful difference over time. Increasing contributions, ensuring investments are appropriately positioned for growth, and avoiding unnecessary fees can all help improve long-term outcomes.

Time also plays a powerful role. The longer money remains invested, the more compounding can work in your favour.

The bottom line

A $100,000 super balance can support a retirement, but it is likely to involve compromise and careful budgeting. A $600,000 balance, on the other hand, brings a level of comfort, flexibility, and independence that transforms the retirement experience.

In the end, the difference between the two is not just financial. It is the difference between managing your retirement and truly enjoying it.

The post $100k vs $600k in superannuation: How different would retirement be? 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.