Author: openjargon

ASX shares have been under pressure this week off the back of escalating conflict in the middle east, a rise in oil prices, and concerns about how weaker commodity prices will affect miners

But periods of uncertainty are a great time to focus on investment opportunities that have strong growth potential.

Here are four ASX shares that brokers rate as strong buys, with potential upside of up to 109%.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 shares have softened in July after rebounding around 55% from an annual low. They’re still another 55% below an all-time high set in October last year, however. The ASX shares were caught up in a tech-sector-wide sell-off over the past nine months which saw investors sell their tech shares amid growing fears that companies’ core services could be replaced by AI. But I think they’re now oversold and there is huge growth potential ahead. The company reported a 38% increase in total revenue in its latest quarterly results in mid-May. This was primarily driven by a 32% increase in subscription revenue and 36% increase in core subscription revenue. Life360 also upgraded FY26 guidance for its revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Market Index data shows brokers rate Life360 shares as a strong buy. They tip a 27% upside to an average $32.01 target price, at the time of writing.

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

It’s been a volatile year for this ASX gold producer this year, with its share price ranging anywhere between a low of $4.71 and a high of $9.80 over the past 12 months. Its share price spiked to an all-time high in January after it announced a significant new high-grade discovery at its Plutonic Gold Belt. But it has now lost around 42% of its value mostly thanks to a significant increase in mining costs and a weaker gold price after a strong run late last year. Global instability has also led many investors to sell their gold shares and rotate into larger, more stable assets in 2026. But I like that Catalyst Metals has shown a long period of operational consistency and organic growth. The miner expects production to increase towards the latter half of FY26 as well. Analysts rate the ASX shares as a strong buy and tip an average target price of $9.58. That implies a potential 71% upside at the time of writing.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech is another ASX tech stock which has been swept in the tech-sector wide sell off this year. The company also recently faced headwinds following media reports that the Australian Federal Police is investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters. The company responded and said that the alleged investigation relates to Richard White in a personal capacity. It added that there is no suggestion in this media commentary of an investigation into WiseTech. But it didn’t stop investors rushing for the exit. I still see WiseTech as having a strong competitive advantage in the global logistics industry. And I think the company’s future hinges primarily on its FY26 results. If WiseTech manages to reach or exceed its upgraded guidance, I think we’ll see a turnaround in the share price. Market Index shows that the majority of brokers (seven out of eight) have a buy rating on the shares. The average $72.84 target price implies a potential 109% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI)

Gold miner Predictive Discovery also faced headwinds this year. Including higher mining costs, weaker gold prices, and an overall investor rotation away from ASX gold shares into larger, more stable assets. After a rally late last year, however, the gold miner’s shares have performed strongly. They’re now 54% higher than 12 months ago. Its production numbers are expected to increase in the latter half of the year too, with the miner actively developing gold deposits in Guinea’s Siguiri Basin. Market Index data shows brokers agree to a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The maximum target price is $1.35 per share, which implies a potential 106% upside at the time of writing.

The post 4 ASX shares rated a strong buy and with upsides of up to 109% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what $10,000 invested in ASX tech shares 5 years ago would be worth now
• 3 ASX ETFs with strong long-term growth potential
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week
• Should I invest $2,500 into WiseTech shares?
• 10 fantastic ASX shares to buy for FY27

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 Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX: YRL) this week reported new drilling results from its Siona prospect, which have piqued the interest of analysts at Shaw and Partners.

They have a buy rating on the company, albeit labelling it high risk, and a bullish share price target, which we’ll get to shortly.

First, let’s see what the company announced.

Encouraging new gold exploration results

Yandal, in a statement to the ASX, reported the results from nine shallow exploration holes at Siona, with gold grades of up to 5 grams per tonne over a 3m intersection reported.

The company said regarding the drilling:

Results have demonstrated a coherent horizontal (flat) zone of gold mineralisation within the upper regolith profile occurring broadly to the southwest of the Primary Siona mineralisation.

Yandal Resources Managing Director Chris Oorschot said:

Our previous RC and diamond drilling across the Siona gold discovery (in late 2024 and early 2025) included a number of mineralised intervals that were either outside of, or presenting a different geometry relative to the main Siona mineralised trend. These nine shallow RC holes were focussed on a possible trend situated to the southwest of the main mineralised structure. The results show an almost horizontal zone of gold mineralisation that includes some discrete higher-grade intervals. The shallow nature and consistent geometry are very encouraging and will certainly add to the Mineral Resource potential of the Siona Prospect.

Further exploration drilling will kick off in the coming weeks, the company said.

A broader exploration program will also be made public following a strategic review in late July, with the company adding that it was in a strong cash position.

Shares looking cheap

Shaw and Partners said in their note to clients that they envisaged the gold resource at the project growing substantially.

YRL already has 450koz of Resource gold largely on existing mining leases, with strong extension potential and in the vicinity of multiple gold mills owned by other corporates. Further, ongoing drill results already suggest YRL has a realistic path to reach ~1Moz of Resources within a year. Upside to our price target could come from YRL’s attractive ongoing exploration potential. Additionally, corporate optionality in the Yandal region could add further upside potential to our stock valuation.

Shaw and Partners has a 51-cent per share price target on the company, compared to 20 cents currently.

If achieved, this would constitute a 153.9% return. Yandal Resources is valued at $76.3 million.

The post This ASX gold stock could jump 150%: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ANZ, NAB, Westpac and CBA shares: Brokers rate 2 a sell, and 2 a hold
• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares
• Here’s what brokers tip for Xero shares over the next 12 months
• Steadfast Group takeover bid update: KKR joins consortium
• Are CBA shares still worth buying for the long term?

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

ASX bank shares have climbed higher in the first few weeks of July as expectations of lower interest rates and stable earnings expectations pique investor interest.  

Escalating geopolitical tensions and continued commodity price volatility have prompted many investors to rotate towards large ASX bank stocks for their long-standing dividends and predictable earnings.

But going forward, some bank shares are expected to fare better than others.

Here’s a rundown of how the four major ASX bank shares are tracking today, and what brokers expect next.

Hold ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares

ANZ shares have tumbled into the red on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the shares are down around 1.5% and changing hands at $35.94. ANZ shares are still nearly 2% higher so far in July, and are around 19% higher than this time last year.

The banking giant posted a positive half-year update in May, including a 70% jump in its cash profit and 22% lower operating expenses.

ANZ also confirmed it has achieved 49% of its gross cost-savings target of $800 million for FY26.

Brokers are relatively optimistic about ANZ shares for FY27. TradingView data shows that 7 of 16 analysts have a hold rating on the stock. Another six have a buy or strong buy rating while three have a sell or strong sell rating.

The average $34.91 target price, however, implies a potential 3% downside at the time of writing.

Sell Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares

CBA shares are also tumbling on Tuesday, down around 1% to $169 a piece. The shares have climbed nearly 3% so far in July, but are around 5% below levels seen this time last year.

It’s been a volatile few months for the banking giant. The bank’s most recent disappointing third-quarter capital update in mid-May caused some investor confidence to wane. The bank reported a flat operating income and 1% decline in unaudited cash NPAT.

But every time CBA shares fall, they seem to quickly rebound again. It’s likely CBA’s safe-haven appeal that continues to appeal to investors. In times of market chaos, investors typically flock to well-known and large-scale stocks.

The problem is that CBA shares have been widely considered overvalued for some time now. CBA is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of over 26, making it one of the most expensive banking stocks globally. The bumper price tag isn’t supported by the bank’s core strength or earnings either.

TradingView data shows the majority (11 out of 16) of analysts have a strong sell rating on CBA shares. Another three rate the stock as a sell, and two rate it as a hold. The average $126.51 target price implies more than 25% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

Hold National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares

NAB shares are down around 1% on Tuesday and are trading at $39.63 each. The banking giant’s shares are one of the best performers among the big four so far in July, though, up around 5% in the first two weeks of the month. The shares are roughly flat on the trading level this time last year.

NAB’s half-year FY26 results in May were a miss versus market expectations, and investors reacted negatively. Despite posting a modest earnings growth, including a 6.4% increase in underlying profit and a 3.1% increase in revenue, the share price sell-off accelerated. 

Intense mortgage competition has also put pressure on the bank’s profit margins and raised concerns about future earnings.

The share price has rebounded slightly from a dip in mid-June, most likely reflecting slightly improved market sentiment. But the experts are still cautious.

TradingView data shows that eight out of 16 analysts now rate the ASX bank stock as a hold. Another five have a sell or strong sell rating, and three rate NAB shares as a strong buy. The average $37.72 target price, however, now implies a potential 5% downside, at the time of writing.

Sell Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd (ASX: WBC) shares

Westpac shares are also down around 1% at the time of writing, to $36.50 a piece. The bank shares are around 4% higher so far in July and around 9% higher than 12 months ago.

Westpac posted a solid first-half result in early May. There was a brief share price uptick after the result was announced, but then investor sentiment reversed, and the sell-off resumed. 

The bank’s shares came under even more selling pressure after a court ruling related to ongoing compliance risk weighed on sentiment. 

Westpac is the most mortgage-exposed of the big four bank shares, with approximately 69% of its loan book in residential mortgages. So, while forecasts of lower interest rates are positive news for the bank, its shares have been depressed by earlier hike announcements. 

TradingView data shows that analysts are quite pessimistic about Westpac’s outlook over the next year. The majority (nine out of 16) have a sell or strong sell rating on the bank shares. Another seven have a hold rating. The average $33.41 target price implies a potential downside of around 9% at the time of writing. 

The post ANZ, NAB, Westpac and CBA shares: Brokers rate 2 a sell, and 2 a hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares
• Are CBA shares still worth buying for the long term?
• How to build a successful ASX dividend portfolio
• What did the market look like 10 years ago? Here’s what’s changed for the ASX 200
• 3 of the best ASX dividend stocks to supplement your superannuation

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 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.

Owning ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares usually means getting a good level of passive income. But can it deliver earnings growth? That could be essential for whether the ANZ share price rises or not in the next year or two.

The ASX bank share has been working hard to reduce its cost base, be more efficient, and deliver good performance with its market share.

ANZ has a lot of competition in the banking space, who all want market share, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and so on.

A lot of competition may be a headwind for the bank in terms of both growing market share and a strong net interest margin (NIM). But that hasn’t stopped ANZ from generating strong profit growth in the near term.

FY26

The 2026 financial year has finished for many companies, but for ANZ, it doesn’t finish until 30 September 2026.

The latest update we’ve heard from the bank was very promising for what the FY26 result could reveal.

In HY26, compared to the second half of FY25, ANZ reported in cash profit terms that operating income grew 3% and operating expenses fell 22%, leading to profit before provisions jumping 51%. It also noted that the (loan) provision charge reduced 7% and the cash profit soared 70%.

However, some of those numbers received a large boost due to ‘significant items’. Excluding significant items, operating income was flat, operating expenses dropped 9%, profit before provisions grew 12%, and cash profit rose 14%. Customer deposits increased by 3%, while net loans and advances fell by 1%.

I think any of Australia’s domestic banks (excluding Macquarie) would be delighted to report double-digit net profit growth.

The bank is forecast to grow its earnings per share (EPS) in FY26, according to the projection on CommSec. The EPS could reach $2.559 in the 2026 financial year, putting the ASX bank share’s valuation at around 14 times FY26’s estimated earnings.

FY27

I think it’s a great sign to see a business grow earnings, as that’s what justifies higher share prices and larger dividends.

The bank is forecast to deliver earnings growth in the 2027 financial year. However, the current projection is not very exciting.

According to the estimate on CommSec, the ASX bank share is projected to very slightly increase its EPS to $2.561 in FY27. In other words, profit is forecast to be virtually flat. That would mean it’s trading at 14 times FY27’s estimated earnings as well.

The CommSec collation of analyst opinions on the business revealed there are currently two sell ratings, eight hold ratings, and six buy ratings. The experts are more positive than negative, though there could be even better opportunities out there.

The post Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $50k per year in passive income?
• How many Westpac shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?
• 5 best ASX 200 financial shares of FY26
• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings for FY27

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

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have skipped further into the red in Tuesday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the shares are down around another 2% to $68.58 a piece. At one point this morning, the shares were changing hands as low as $68.48 each. 

This morning’s losses extend yesterday’s 4.3% decline. 

It’s been a long line of share price declines for the ASX tech company over the past year. Since spiking to an all-time high of $193.77 a piece in June 2025, the shares have shed a huge 64% of their value.

They’re now down around 38% for the year to date and 59% lower than this time a year ago.

What happened to Xero shares?

Xero shares have faced several major headwinds over the past 12 months. 

The continually falling share price is mostly the result of a sector-wide sell-off of technology stocks. This followed rising concerns that AI could disrupt traditional software models. 

In late 2025 and early 2026, many investors were spooked by the idea that smarter, cheaper tools could reduce the need for subscription platforms like Xero. Sentiment for tech shares, including Xero, quickly turned south. 

At the same time, a sharp increase in the value of some ASX tech shares in 2025, including Xero, also sparked concerns that tech companies were overvalued and overdue for a price correction. 

The good news is that despite the continued stock sell-off, there is still enormous potential for Xero and its shares over the next 12 months.

Xero benefits from an incredibly sticky subscription base and high customer retention rates, which means its revenue is relatively stable. 

As a relatively small market player, it also has a lot of growth potential. Xero is working to expand its presence in the UK and the US. It is also focused on expanding its product suite, including payroll and workflow automation offerings. 

What do brokers tip for the ASX tech stock next?

Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers are very bullish on Xero shares and have a buy rating on the stock. The average target price of $145.69 implies an impressive 112% upside at the time of writing.

TradingView data shows something very similar. The majority of analysts have a strong buy rating on Xero shares. They have a slightly lower $130.12 average target price, but that still implies a potential 85% upside ahead.

Some are even more optimistic and forecast the shares to rocket another 237% to a maximum target price of $237.38.

Last month, Morgans upgraded the stock from hold to add and assigned a $215 price target. The broker cited improving sales momentum and disciplined cost management. 

The post Here’s what brokers tip for Xero shares over the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what $10,000 invested in ASX tech shares 5 years ago would be worth now
• 3 ASX ETFs with strong long-term growth potential
• Another CEO share sale has this ASX 100 tech stock sinking today
• 10 fantastic ASX shares to buy for FY27
• Two ASX tech shares hinge on rebuilding trust and growth. Here’s how they can turn around

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

The Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) share price is back in the spotlight today, as the company announces a major update on a potential takeover bid, with a non-binding indicative proposal by a consortium now including global investor KKR alongside Amwins and Dragoneer. The offer stands at $6.00 per share in cash.

What did Steadfast Group report?

• Receipt of an updated non-binding, indicative proposal from a consortium now including KKR
• Indicative offer price: $6.00 per share in cash, less any dividends or distributions after 5 June 2026
• No change to the transaction timetable or process as a result of KKR’s involvement
• Current exclusivity and process deed remains in place with Amwins, Dragoneer, and now KKR
• There is no certainty a binding agreement will be reached

What else do investors need to know?

Amwins and Dragoneer confirmed that KKR’s addition to the consortium as co-lead investment partner will not affect the current timetable or process. The participation of KKR is not a condition for Amwins and Dragoneer to enter a binding deal with Steadfast.

Steadfast’s board reminds shareholders that there is no guarantee this proposal will progress to a binding agreement. No action is required by shareholders at this stage, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

What’s next for Steadfast Group?

Steadfast will continue engagement with the consortium under the current process deed, maintaining strict confidentiality and assessing the proposal thoroughly. The board will update the market as soon as there are any material developments.

For now, the company remains focused on supporting its expansive broker and agency networks across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA, and delivering long-term value for shareholders while talks progress.

Steadfast Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Steadfast shares have declined 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Steadfast Group takeover bid update: KKR joins consortium appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 drops as soaring oil prices rattle global markets
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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 positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group. 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 summary of the company announcement. 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares can divide investors.

Some see the bank as too expensive. Others see it as one of the highest-quality businesses on the ASX.

I understand both views.

But for long-term investors, I still think CBA shares are worth buying.

Why CBA keeps attracting investors

CBA has built a very strong position in Australian banking.

That does not just come from size. It comes from customer relationships, trust, deposits, digital tools, and a brand that millions of Australians interact with regularly.

Banking can look simple from the outside. Customers borrow, save, spend, and invest. But the best banks become deeply embedded in those financial decisions.

That is where I think CBA stands apart from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and the rest of the big four.

The bank has invested heavily in technology, digital banking, fraud prevention, payments, and customer experience. Those areas can help improve retention, reduce friction, and support better decision-making.

I also think CBA’s deposit franchise is a major advantage. A strong deposit base can be valuable when funding costs, interest rates, and competition shift.

The valuation challenge

The main issue with CBA shares is valuation.

Investors usually have to pay a premium for the bank, and that can limit future returns if earnings growth slows or sentiment changes.

There are also normal banking risks to watch, including mortgage competition, bad debts, regulation, and pressure on margins.

CBA is a high-quality bank, but it is still a bank. Its profits are tied to the health of households, businesses, property markets, and the wider economy.

That means investors need to be sensible with their expectations.

I would be more excited about buying during a market pullback. But I do not think long-term investors need to wait for a perfect entry point before starting a position.

Why I would still buy

My view is that CBA shares remain a buy because quality can compound for a long time.

The bank has one of the strongest retail franchises in the country. It has a leading digital position. It has scale. It has a trusted brand. And it has the financial strength to keep investing through different cycles.

Those advantages are hard to build quickly.

I also like that CBA can provide a source of dividends. For investors who want a core ASX blue-chip holding with a side of income, its shares remain attractive.

Foolish Takeaway

CBA shares are rarely the cheapest bank shares on the market.

I think the bank’s premium reflects a stronger franchise, better digital capabilities, and a level of customer trust that is hard to replicate.

There will be times when the valuation feels stretched, but for patient investors looking beyond the next year or two, I think CBA shares remain a high-quality ASX buy.

The post Are CBA shares still worth buying for the long term? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a successful ASX dividend portfolio
• What did the market look like 10 years ago? Here’s what’s changed for the ASX 200
• How much could the CBA share price rise in the next year?
• Do you want to earn passive income from your superannuation? Here’s a guide to get you started
• If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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 biggest dividend yield on the ASX can look tempting.

A higher yield means more income today, which can appeal to retirees, passive income investors, and anyone trying to make their portfolio work harder.

But a successful ASX dividend portfolio needs more than a big headline yield.

I think the goal is to own businesses that can keep paying income through different conditions, while still having enough growth to protect purchasing power over time.

Start with dependable earnings

The first thing I would look for is dependable cash flow.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is one example of the kind of ASX dividend share I think can play a role.

Grocery demand is not exciting, but it doesn’t need to be. Households still need food, household essentials, and everyday products through good times and tougher periods.

Coles still faces competition, cost inflation, and pressure from value-conscious shoppers. Even so, the defensive nature of its sales can help support earnings and dividends.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is another ASX share I would consider for a dividend portfolio.

Connectivity sits behind so much of daily life now. Mobile data, internet access, streaming, work, payments, and communication all depend on reliable networks.

Telstra still needs to keep investing in its network, and competition is always a factor. But I think its essential role in the economy gives it a solid place in an income-focused portfolio.

Add assets with different income drivers

I would also want income that comes from different parts of the economy.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) is one ASX share I think can fit that idea. Its toll road assets are used by millions of drivers, and traffic volumes can support long-term distributions.

The appeal here is different from a supermarket or telecommunications business. Transurban is more about infrastructure, urban growth, pricing, and long-life assets.

Property income can also have a place, as long as investors stay selective.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) gives exposure to a portfolio of long-leased properties. Long leases can provide more visibility over rental income, although investors still need to watch debt costs, property valuations, and tenant quality.

I would not want a dividend portfolio to depend too heavily on one sector. Mixing supermarkets, telecommunications, infrastructure, and property can reduce the pressure on any single income source.

Leave room for dividend growth

A dividend portfolio also needs businesses that can grow over time.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is rarely the cheapest bank, but it has one of the strongest franchises on the ASX. Its customer base, deposit strength, digital position, and brand can support long-term earnings and fully franked dividends.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is another share I would consider, even though its yield is not usually the highest on the market.

I like the company’s ability to reinvest, improve its businesses, and allocate capital across different opportunities. Over time, that kind of growth can help dividends become much more rewarding.

This is where I think some income investors can go wrong. A lower yield today can still be attractive if the business has a better chance of increasing its payout over the next decade.

Foolish takeaway

I think a successful ASX dividend portfolio should be built around more than yield.

The best approach, in my view, is to combine defensive earners, infrastructure or property income, and companies that can grow their dividends over time.

That kind of mix can help investors collect income today without giving up on long-term growth.

The post How to build a successful ASX dividend portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are CBA shares still worth buying for the long term?
• How I’d invest $10,000 in ASX shares for the next decade
• What did the market look like 10 years ago? Here’s what’s changed for the ASX 200
• 3 of the best ASX dividend stocks to supplement your superannuation
• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, REA, Wesfarmers shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, Transurban Group, and Wesfarmers. 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 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.

A $10,000 investment can feel like a big decision.

That is why I think it helps to focus on businesses that can still look relevant many years from now.

Share prices will move around. Market sentiment will change. But over a decade, I want to own companies with strong positions, good leadership, and the ability to keep reinvesting for growth.

Three ASX shares I would consider buying with $10,000 are named below.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is one of the ASX shares I would be comfortable owning for the long term.

The company is often described as the owner of Bunnings and Kmart, which is true, but I think the bigger story is its culture and capital allocation.

Wesfarmers has a long record of building strong retail businesses, improving them over time, and moving capital into areas where it sees attractive returns.

Bunnings remains a dominant home improvement business, and Kmart has become a powerful value retailer. The company also has exposure to office products, health, data, digital initiatives, loyalty, and other growth options. That mix gives Wesfarmers more than one way to create value.

The valuation can look expensive at times, and I would always prefer to buy during a pullback. But with a decade-long mindset, I think quality deserves a premium.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is another ASX share I would want in a long-term portfolio.

The company operates in sleep health and respiratory care, areas supported by significant global healthcare needs.

I like that ResMed is connected to both devices and ongoing patient support. Machines are important, but masks, accessories, software, data, and connected care can help create recurring revenue over time.

Sleep apnoea also remains underdiagnosed in many markets. If more people are tested and treated, ResMed has a long runway for growth.

Healthcare shares can go through difficult periods, and ResMed has faced investor concerns around competition and changing treatment options. But I think the long-term demand for better sleep and breathing care remains attractive.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is a very different kind of business. It is exposed to global financial markets, infrastructure, commodities, energy transition, asset management, and private markets. That means earnings can be lumpy from year to year.

I like that Macquarie has shown an ability to adapt as markets change. It has built a global platform across areas where expertise, relationships, and capital matter.

The world needs ongoing investment in infrastructure, energy systems, data centres, transport, and other real assets. Macquarie is positioned to play a role in many of those areas.

I would not expect smooth returns every year. But over a decade, I think Macquarie has the potential to keep finding attractive opportunities.

Foolish Takeaway

If I were investing $10,000 for the next decade, I would focus on businesses that can keep compounding through different conditions.

Wesfarmers brings retail discipline and capital allocation; ResMed provides exposure to global healthcare demand; and Macquarie adds a more flexible financial and infrastructure growth angle.

Together, I think they would give me a mix of quality, resilience, and long-term opportunity, which is what I believe a 10-year ASX portfolio needs.

The post How I’d invest $10,000 in ASX shares for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a successful ASX dividend portfolio
• 3 of the best ASX dividend stocks to supplement your superannuation
• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, REA, Wesfarmers shares
• How much superannuation do you need to earn $5,000 a month in passive income?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can take a lot of the guesswork out of investing, allowing investors to pick a theme or index they’d like to track, then trusting in the ETF manager to build a portfolio which fits the bill.

Index tracking ETFs, such as those that seek to replicate the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), for example, are popular; however, if you’re looking for outsized gains, it can pay to look further afield into sectors that have strong economic tailwinds behind them.

While past performance is no guarantee of future performance, let’s have a look at three such funds that have done well over the past year.

Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN)

This ETF is a relatively small one, with just $45 million in assets under management.

The fund aims to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the advancement of the global hydrogen industry.

The fund’s website adds:

This includes companies involved in hydrogen production; the integration of hydrogen into energy systems; and the development/manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and other technologies related to the utilisation of hydrogen as an energy source.

The fund has returned 98.5% over the past year after falling back 5.2% over the past month.

Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

This fund “seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors”.

This is a much larger fund, with $1.1 billion in funds under management.

Some of the fund’s top holdings include Micron Technolog, SK Hynix, Nvidia, and Intel.

This fund has returned 136.4% over the past year and 83.5% year to date.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

This fund aims to track an index providing exposure to global companies in the energy transition metals field – think metals such as lithium, copper, nickel, and graphite.

The fund’s website says:

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions is driving growth in a range of disruptive products and processes such as renewable energy generation, battery storage solutions, and electric vehicles, all of which are critically dependent on the select group of energy transition metals that XMET provides exposure to.

The fund’s top holdings include PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).

This fund has returned 83.9% over the past year.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that have returned better than 80% over the past year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What did the market look like 10 years ago? Here’s what’s changed for the ASX 200
• SK Hynix IPOs in the US. Here’s what that means for ASX investors
• How much superannuation do you need to earn $5,000 a month in passive income?
• Lithium prices are cooling. Here’s what that means for these ASX lithium shares
• Experts name 3 big-name ASX 200 shares to sell

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.