Author: openjargon

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares have had a difficult 12 months.

The wealth management platform company’s shares are down around 40% over that period and fell to a fresh 52-week low of $18.29 on Wednesday.

Here’s why I think the lower share price has created an opportunity for investors with this S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share.

This ASX 200 share is still growing

The first thing I would look at is whether Netwealth’s weaker share price reflects a weaker business.

I do not think that is the case.

Netwealth finished FY26 with $135.7 billion of funds under administration, up more than 20% over the year. It also continued attracting strong net inflows and gaining market share.

That tells me financial advisers and their clients are still putting more money onto the platform.

As those assets grow, Netwealth has more opportunities to earn administration and investment-related revenue from the same expanding customer base.

I think that remains a strong long-term foundation.

AI has added a concern

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently given investors something else to think about.

Anthropic launched Claude for Financial Advisors on 14 September, providing wealth managers with specialised data connectors and workflow tools. That followed OpenAI launching its own financial industry offering just days earlier.

I can understand why that has caused some concern.

If powerful AI tools can automate more of the research, administration, and client work carried out by financial advisers, investors may question how much value traditional wealth technology platforms can continue adding.

I think it is too early to assume AI will simply replace platforms such as Netwealth.

Financial advisers still need to administer client assets, meet regulatory requirements, execute investments, and keep large amounts of sensitive financial information organised. AI could change how that work is done, but I think established platforms can also use the technology themselves.

The latest acquisition makes more sense in that context

Netwealth’s acquisition announced this week is particularly interesting for that reason.

The company has agreed to buy Paradino, which operates an AI-enabled workflow and automation platform for financial advisers.

Its technology can assist with areas such as documents, meeting notes, client communications, and other administrative work.

The acquisition itself is not large enough to transform Netwealth overnight.

But I like what it says about the direction of the business.

Rather than watching AI develop from the sidelines, Netwealth is bringing more of that capability into its own adviser technology offering.

If AI can help advisers save time and manage more clients efficiently, I think it could ultimately strengthen the value of the wider Netwealth ecosystem rather than undermine it.

Why I would buy before sentiment improves

There are still risks.

Netwealth is investing heavily, margins could face some near-term pressure, and AI could reshape parts of the financial advice industry faster than expected.

But this ASX 200 share is still growing assets, attracting inflows, and investing in technology that could keep its platform relevant as adviser workflows change.

At $18.29, I think the 40% decline has created a much more attractive entry point.

Foolish takeaway

I would be comfortable buying Netwealth shares at current levels.

AI has added a new source of uncertainty, but I do not think it removes the need for wealth platforms or the long-term opportunity in financial advice technology.

If the ASX 200 share can combine its existing platform with better AI tools while continuing to attract client assets, I think today’s weaker sentiment could eventually look like a good buying opportunity.

The post Down 40%: Why I’d buy this ASX 200 share before sentiment improves appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Netwealth shares could be set to rise 60% in the next 12 months – Expert
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Netwealth to acquire AI platform Paradino, boosting adviser automation
• ASX 200 bank shares led a financial sector rebound last week
• Where I’d invest $15,000 in ASX shares now

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

Wesfarmers vs Telstra shares: which dividend stock is better?

Looking to boost your passive income with ASX blue chips? Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) are two of the market’s giants. Each is a household name, popular with Australian investors for their steady dividends and defensive businesses. If you’re weighing up Wesfarmers vs Telstra shares for your dividend portfolio, here’s how the two compare in 2026.

The case for Wesfarmers

Wesfarmers is one of Australia’s oldest and largest companies. From its 1914 beginnings as a WA farmers’ cooperative, it’s grown into a diversified conglomerate spanning retail, office supplies, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Its subsidiaries include iconic names like Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline. That means revenue is underpinned by everyday essentials, from hardware to health.

For fundamentals, Wesfarmers carries a hefty market cap of $82.64 billion, making it an ASX heavyweight. Its P/E ratio currently sits at 28.64, reflecting a market willing to pay a premium for its brand portfolio and reliability. The company’s dividend yield is 3.06%, fully franked, with a dividend per share of $2.22. Notably, Wesfarmers has a well-established record of regular, fully franked dividends extending back decades, including occasional special payouts. However, its shares are down -7.77% year to date as of mid-September 2026.

The case for Telstra

Telstra is Australia’s dominant telecommunications provider, with roots stretching back to the country’s telecommunications beginnings. Today, Telstra runs core infrastructure and consumer businesses including ServeCo, InfraCo Fixed, Amplitel and Telstra International, all part of a 2022 corporate restructure. The company not only serves millions of Aussies but also has a global presence in 20 countries.

Telstra clocks in with a market capitalisation of $53.91 billion—smaller than Wesfarmers but still a major player by any measure. Its P/E ratio is 24.27, which is noticeably cheaper than Wesfarmers on current earnings. For income investors, Telstra is offering a higher dividend yield: 4.35%, mostly franked (90%+ in recent years). Its dividend per share stands at $0.21 and, pleasingly, Telstra’s dividend growth has resumed after a long flat patch. Its shares are up a solid 3.49% year to date as of the latest data.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the numbers stack up side by side:

Metric	Wesfarmers	Telstra
Market Cap	$82.64 billion	$53.91 billion
P/E Ratio	28.64	24.27
Dividend Yield	3.06% (100% franked)	4.35% (90% franked)
Dividend per Share	$2.22	$0.21
Year-to-date Return	-7.77%	+3.49%

Wesfarmers is bigger and arguably more diversified, but you’re paying a higher price for it, both in terms of P/E and a lower yield. Telstra, on the other hand, currently offers a much more generous dividend yield and is trading at a lower earnings multiple.

Recent share price performance

Share prices for both companies, as at mid-September 2026, tell an interesting story.

Wesfarmers shares have retreated from above $83 to $72.83 over the past three weeks. That translates to a loss of about 12% in less than a month. The broader 2026 year-to-date figure is also negative at -7.77%.

Telstra, by contrast, has been stable or slightly positive. In September, its price has hovered around the $4.70–$4.85 level, with occasional dips and rebounds. Telstra shares are up 3.49% for the year to date, showing relative resilience and steady investor support.

All prices and returns are as per the data provided, current to 15 September 2026.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m choosing for dividend income right now, my pick would be Telstra. The numbers are pretty clear: Telstra’s dividend yield of 4.35% is comfortably ahead of Wesfarmers’ 3.06%, and while franking isn’t quite 100%, it’s still generous for most Australian shareholders. Add to that its lower P/E ratio, indicating better value, and its positive share price momentum so far in 2026.

Wesfarmers is a quality blue-chip and has one of the best dividend records on the ASX, but you’re currently paying a premium for its diversification and brand power. The lower yield and negative short-term return make it less attractive for pure income seekers. For yield-focused investors looking for relatively defensive income in 2026, I think Telstra is the more appealing buy out of the two right now.

The post Wesfarmers vs Telstra: Which ASX dividend stock comes out on top? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income could I earn from a $650,000 superannuation balance?
• How to make $26,000 of passive income from ASX shares
• How much of my superannuation do I need to invest to earn $60,000 of passive income in 2027?
• How much superannuation do I need to earn $70,000 per year in passive income?
• Buy, hold, sell: Domino’s Pizza, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Westfarmers shares

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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. 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.

A $1.2 million superannuation balance is a substantial amount of money.

But what sort of retirement income could it fund?

The answer to that depends on how the money is invested and how quickly the retiree is comfortable drawing it down.

Start with the withdrawal rate

One simple way to think about retirement income is as a percentage of the starting balance.

If someone withdrew 4% from a $1.2 million portfolio in the first year, that would provide around $48,000.

A 5% withdrawal would increase the annual income to $60,000, while 6% would provide $72,000.

That gives us a fairly wide range.

I would not automatically choose the highest figure simply because the portfolio could support it in the first year. Retirement could last for decades, and the balance still needs to cope with market downturns, inflation, and future spending.

For me, the amount withdrawn would need to make sense alongside the investments held and the lifestyle I wanted.

Income does not have to come entirely from dividends

It is important to note that a $1.2 million portfolio doesn’t necessarily have to generate a 5% dividend yield to provide $60,000 of annual income.

Retirement income can come from several places.

A portfolio might receive dividends and distributions from shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), interest from defensive assets, and cash from selling a small portion of investments when required.

That gives an investor more freedom when building the portfolio.

I would rather hold a mixture of investments with good long-term prospects than force the entire $1.2 million into high-yield assets purely to produce a particular income figure.

Growth still has a role

Even after retirement, I would want part of the portfolio invested for growth.

If someone retires in their 60s, their superannuation may still need to support them for another 30 years.

Over that period, living costs are likely to rise.

An income of $60,000 may feel comfortable today, but it will not have the same purchasing power decades from now.

Holding Australian and international shares gives the portfolio a chance to keep growing while withdrawals are being made.

Of course, share markets will not rise every year. That is why I would also want some cash or more defensive investments available for spending during weaker periods.

How much would I aim for?

If I had $1.2 million in superannuation, I would probably think about an initial income somewhere around $48,000 to $60,000 a year rather than immediately targeting $72,000.

That is not because $72,000 is impossible.

It simply places more pressure on the portfolio from the beginning, particularly if withdrawals later need to rise with inflation.

Someone with lower expenses may be happy to take much less, while another retiree may deliberately draw down their capital more quickly because they want to spend more in the early years of retirement.

There is no single number that will suit everyone.

Foolish takeaway

A $1.2 million superannuation balance could potentially provide a meaningful retirement income without requiring an unusually high investment return.

At withdrawal rates of 4% to 5%, it could provide roughly $48,000 to $60,000 in the first year.

For me, the bigger goal would be finding a level of income that supports the lifestyle I wanted while still giving the remaining balance a chance to keep working for the years ahead.

The post How much income could a $1.2 million superannuation balance generate? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy and hold BHP shares for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares I think could return 10%+
• Cochlear share price rebounds 53% from 10-year low: Can it keep climbing?
• Is the Australian Age Pension enough to retire comfortably?
• Two broker upgrades put CSL shares back in focus

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is already one of the largest companies on the Australian share market.

That size can sometimes make it easy to assume the biggest growth period is already behind it.

I am not so sure that is the case.

And if I were looking for an ASX mining share to buy today and leave alone for the next decade, BHP would be high on my list.

Scale gives BHP options

One of the things I like most about BHP is the flexibility that comes with its scale.

The company owns large, long-life assets across several major commodities, which means management can direct capital towards the opportunities offering the strongest prospective returns.

That becomes particularly valuable in resources.

Mining projects can take years to develop, cost billions of dollars, and operate for decades once they are running. Companies with strong balance sheets and existing infrastructure have a major advantage when attractive opportunities appear.

BHP does not need every commodity to be booming at the same time.

It can continue investing through weaker periods, expand existing operations where the economics make sense, and take a patient approach to major new projects.

Over a 10-year holding period, I think that flexibility could be more valuable than trying to predict which commodity will perform best next year.

Demand should keep evolving

The global economy will probably look quite different a decade from now, but it will still need enormous quantities of physical materials.

Cities will keep expanding. Electricity networks need upgrading. Data centres, renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, construction, and manufacturing all require resources somewhere along the supply chain.

BHP’s exposure to commodities, including copper and iron ore, puts it in a strong position to participate in that spending.

I am particularly interested in how its copper portfolio could develop.

BHP already operates major copper assets, giving it a platform to expand as demand increases. New supply is also difficult to bring online quickly, which could make high-quality existing operations increasingly valuable over time.

The important point for me is that BHP already owns the assets and expertise needed to participate rather than having to build an entirely new business from scratch.

I would expect income along the way

A decade is a long time to wait for an investment thesis to play out, so I also like that BHP can return substantial amounts of cash to shareholders.

Its dividend will move with commodity prices and profits, so I would never treat the payment as fixed.

But when conditions are strong, BHP’s enormous operations can generate significant free cash flow.

That gives management the ability to balance reinvestment in future projects with dividends to shareholders.

For a long-term investor, I think receiving income while the company’s asset base continues to develop is a valuable combination.

The risks are part of the investment

BHP will not deliver smooth results every year.

Commodity prices can fall sharply, major projects can run over budget, and changes in global economic activity can quickly affect demand.

There are also political, regulatory, and operational risks across the countries where BHP operates.

Those uncertainties are why I would think about the investment in decades rather than quarters.

I am backing the quality of the assets, the company’s financial strength, and management’s ability to allocate capital through multiple commodity cycles.

Foolish takeaway

BHP is the type of share I think makes more sense when viewed over years rather than months.

There will be weaker periods for commodity prices along the way, but the company has the assets, financial strength, and investment opportunities to keep moving forward through those cycles.

For me, that is enough to make BHP a share I would be comfortable buying and holding for the next decade.

The post Why I’d buy and hold BHP shares for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income could I earn from a $650,000 superannuation balance?
• ASX 200 drops again as selling continues
• Vanguard ETFs vs. Betashares ETFs: Who’s coming out on top?
• BHP shares keep falling. Is now the time to buy?
• How many BHP shares do I need to buy to earn $100 a week in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.

The share market has traditionally generated average annual returns of around 9% to 10% over the long term.

But I think some ASX shares have the potential to do even better from here.

These three would be on my buy list.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is one company I think the market may be underestimating.

The business has spent years building premium appliance brands that can be sold into households around the world. Coffee machines remain very important, but the opportunity extends across a much wider range of kitchen products.

What I like is the repeatability of that model. Breville can enter new markets, expand distribution, launch new products, and encourage existing customers who already know the brand to buy something else.

That gives the ASX share several ways to grow without needing one breakthrough product to carry the business.

So, with Breville shares now trading around $30.43, down almost 15% from their 52-week high, I think a combination of earnings growth and improving investor sentiment could comfortably support a return of more than 10%.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 has also had a substantial fall from its highs, but I remain positive about the business.

The company operates investment platforms used by financial advisers to manage client wealth.

I like the position Hub24 has built because more advisers are choosing modern platforms that can make portfolio administration easier while giving them access to a wider range of investment options and technology.

Once an adviser begins moving client assets onto a platform, those funds can remain there for years. New clients and additional contributions can then increase the amount administered without Hub24 having to start from scratch each time.

The company has continued gaining market share and attracting strong net inflows, while its growing scale can support higher profits as more assets move onto the platform.

At around $70, Hub24 is now trading more than 40% below its 52-week high. I think this has created an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear shares have fallen heavily from their previous highs as weaker growth and a reduced earnings outlook have tested investor confidence.

There are genuine reasons for caution. But I do not think the long-term need for Cochlear’s products has changed.

Severe hearing loss remains significantly undertreated around the world, leaving a large population of people who could potentially benefit from cochlear implants.

Cochlear is also continuing to improve its technology. The newer Nucleus Nexa platform gives the company an opportunity to strengthen its offering, while future innovations could make implants more capable and easier for patients to live with.

The business does not need to return anywhere near its previous share price for investors buying today to earn 10%.

If sales growth improves and confidence in the earnings outlook begins to rebuild, I think there is plenty of room for the shares to move higher.

Foolish takeaway

I think all three ASX shares have more going for them than their recent share price performances suggest.

Breville still has international room to expand, Hub24 continues to benefit from more wealth moving onto its platform, and Cochlear is addressing a large healthcare need that is not going away.

None is guaranteed to deliver a double-digit return, but I would be comfortable backing each from current levels.

The post 3 ASX shares I think could return 10%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cochlear share price rebounds 53% from 10-year low: Can it keep climbing?
• Cochlear vs Pro Medicus: Which beaten-down ASX healthcare share is the better buy today?
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy before they return to their 52-week highs
• 3 ASX 200 shares I’d buy if I couldn’t sell for 10 years
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) share price has climbed higher into the green in Wednesday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX healthcare shares are up over 1% to $137.95 a piece.

Today’s increase means the shares have now rebounded around 53% from a 10-year low of just $90 each in late April.

The recovery has been pretty consistent, but there is a long way for the shares to go before they return to pre-2026 levels following a series of investor sell-offs earlier this year.

It’s been a difficult year for the medical hearing implant device company. Cochlear has suffered from a number of strong headwinds, including a sector-wide rotation away from ASX healthcare shares this year and some disappointing financial updates.

The Cochlear share price fell around 20% after the company released its half-year results in February, and the shares crashed another 41% in a day in late April after the company downgraded its guidance figures. 

What has driven the rebound?

There has clearly been a recovery of investor sentiment since April, and healthcare stocks have generally started attracting more interest from investors over the past couple of months.

In July, the company confirmed that its hearing implant systems will continue to be imported into the US duty-free after the US Government released its findings from a series of Section 301 investigations. The announcement helped ease US tariff issue concerns.

In mid-August, management posted its FY26 results. The announcement included underlying net profit of $322 million, down 22% but right at the top end of guidance.  

Looking ahead to FY27, Cochlear expects low-single-digit constant currency revenue growth and an underlying net profit between $330 million and $350 million. 

Investors were thrilled with the results and rushed to snap up the shares.

Now the question is, can the Cochlear share price keep climbing? Or is another crash coming?

Here’s what the experts think.

Can the Cochlear share price climb higher?

Looking ahead, I still see Cochlear as a strong, globally dominant business with its long-term outlook intact. I think the steep sell-off this year was overdone, and that the share price could quietly keep climbing higher.

But at the time of writing, it looks like the experts aren’t convinced. It looks like many are questioning whether Cochlear shares can stage a meaningful recovery over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a hold rating on Cochlear shares. But the $126.07 average target price now implies a potential 8% downside from the current trading price.

TradingView data is a little more positive. Again, the majority of analysts have a hold rating on the shares. The $142.26 average target price implies a potential 4% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post Cochlear share price rebounds 53% from 10-year low: Can it keep climbing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares I think could return 10%+
• Cochlear vs Pro Medicus: Which beaten-down ASX healthcare share is the better buy today?
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy before they return to their 52-week highs
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• CSL led the ASX healthcare shares rebound. Can it continue?

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

At age 67, Australians could be eligible to receive the Age Pension payment.

This is a fortnightly sum, paid by Centrelink, to help older individuals fund their retirement. It’s an excellent tool, but is it enough to be able to afford the lifestyle you want?

Let’s take a look.

How much is the Age Pension?

The maximum fortnightly Age Pension payment will go up next week to $1,237.70 for individuals. Couples will soon get up to $933 per person per fortnight. 

This totals $32,180 per year for singles, and $48,516 per year for couples combined.

These figures include the maximum basic rate, the maximum pension supplement, and the energy supplement.

But, not everyone will get it. 

Eligibility for the Age Pension is heavily dependent on your income level and the assets you own.

It is possible to earn a part-payment if your income and/or assets are over the threshold, and the amount is generally calculated on a sliding scale.

How much does it cost to retire?

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), there are two main retirement lifestyle brackets in Australia: modest and comfortable.

A modest retirement is one that allows you to meet essential living costs. It assumes you’ll have enough money to fund basic costs like basic health insurance, essential utilities, and grocery expenses. It leaves a little room for infrequent, low-cost leisure activities and perhaps the occasional budget meal out. But it doesn’t account for funds for travel, and leaves only a very limited discretionary budget. 

ASFA estimates that a modest retirement will cost approximately $36,548 per year for singles and around $52,690 for a couple combined. These figures assume you own your home outright (so additional mortgage or rental costs will be on top) and that you’ll receive a part Age Pension. 

ASFA defines a comfortable retirement as one that allows Australians to maintain a good standard of living. It covers expenses like top-tier private health insurance, a reasonable car, and regular leisure activities. It also includes money for home repairs and renovations, some meals out, and maybe even an occasional holiday.

The data shows that a comfortable retirement is estimated to cost around $56,166 per year for singles and $78,998 for couples. Again, it assumes you’ll receive a part Age Pension and that you own your home in full.

The verdict

No, the Australian Age Pension isn’t enough to retire comfortably. In fact, it is even below the forecasted cost of a modest retirement. 

For a modest retirement, the gap is around $4,400 per year for singles and $4,200 for couples combined.

For a comfortable retirement, the gap is even wider, at around $24,000 per year for singles and roughly $30,500 for couples combined.

This means you’ll need superannuation or alternative savings to bridge the difference between the Age Pension payment and the realistic costs of retirement. 

The post Is the Australian Age Pension enough to retire comfortably? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much income could a $1.2 million superannuation balance generate?
• Why I’d buy and hold BHP shares for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares I think could return 10%+
• Cochlear share price rebounds 53% from 10-year low: Can it keep climbing?
• Two broker upgrades put CSL shares back in focus

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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are having a choppy session on Tuesday.

The CSL share price climbed as high as $177 in early trade but has since given back those gains, now flat at $174.30.

This comes as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slips a little further into the red, down 0.1% to 8,670 points at the time of writing.

Still, CSL shares have had a much better run over the past month after a tough first half of 2026.

And with two brokers upgrading the stock overnight, there’s a bit more for investors to think about.

Brokers are getting more positive

According to The Australian, Barrenjoey has upgraded CSL to overweight with a $180 price target.

And RBC is even more positive, upgrading the stock to outperform and lifting its price target to $213.

That would put the shares more than 20% above where they trade today.

The broader broker picture is a bit more mixed, though.

TipRanks shows 11 recent analyst ratings on CSL, with 5 buys and 6 holds. The average 12-month price target is $172.92, which is basically where the shares are trading now.

But there are still some pretty bullish targets out there.

Jarden is at $207, Morgans is at $187.71, Canaccord is at $185, Morgan Stanley is at $182, and UBS is at $181.

At the lower end, Citi has a $160 target, Bell Potter is at $150, and Macquarie is down at $133.

Why I’m interested

I’m not interested in CSL just because a couple of brokers have upgraded the stock.

What I like more is that the business looks like it could finally be getting through some of the issues that have weighed on it.

FY26 revenue came in at US$15.8 billion, down 1% in constant currency, while underlying NPATA fell 2% to US$3.1 billion.

The statutory result looked a lot worse, with large impairments and restructuring costs pushing CSL to a US$2.6 billion loss.

But there were still some positives underneath the result.

Immunoglobulin revenue rose 7% over the year, channel inventory normalisation was completed, and CSL delivered US$176 million of savings during FY26.

Management is now targeting US$400 million of savings in FY27 and US$550 million by FY28.

Would I buy CSL shares?

Yes, I would.

CSL still has a few things to sort out, particularly around Vifor, albumin, and Seqirus, so I wouldn’t expect the recovery to be smooth from here.

Today’s early jump and quick reversal show there could still be plenty of volatility along the way.

But that doesn’t put me off.

CSL is still a business I’d be happy to own for the long term.

And at $174, I’d be happy to start with a smaller position around these levels and add to it over time.

The post Two broker upgrades put CSL shares back in focus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the CSL share price heading to $200?
• CSL shares have surged over 25%. Do brokers see more upside?
• CSL shares just fell 5% after a strong rally. Is the recovery losing steam?
• What Warren Buffett can teach Australians about superannuation
• Higher or lower: Where are CSL shares going next?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Following a strong finish to August and start to September, the Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price went into sharp reverse over the past day.

On Tuesday, the world’s first and biggest crypto reached highs of US$79,419, which saw it up more than 25% in a month.

But then the bottom fell out, and the Bitcoin price plunged 5.7% to US$74,910.

At the time of writing on Wednesday morning, it’s recovered some of those losses, trading for US$75,796.

Taking a step back, that leaves the world’s top crypto down 34.2% since this time last year and down 40% from its all-time high of US$126,198, notched on 7 October 2025.

It’s been a similar story with the world’s second biggest crypto by market cap, Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH). On Tuesday, the Ethereum price reached US$2,598 before crashing 8.2% to US$2,358 overnight.

Ethereum is currently trading for US$2,399.

Ethereum hit its own record highs on 25 August 2025, when the token reached US$4,954. It’s now down 51.6% from that high water mark.

So, why have crypto investors suddenly favoured their sell buttons?

Why is the Bitcoin price under pressure?

The Bitcoin price is catching headwinds on several fronts.

First, crypto investors the world over had been hoping to see the United States Senate pass the Clarity Act on Tuesday.

If you’re not familiar with this bill, it’s intended to give the US SEC and the CFTC departments oversight into crypto trading. If passed, it could fully open the door to trading in cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum in US stock markets.

But it did not pass yesterday, failing to get the required 60 vote majority.

Commenting on the fallout from the bill’s stalled passage, Ayesha Kiani, chief operating officer at Monarq Asset Management, said (quoted by Bloomberg):

The failure to advance the Clarity Act prolongs a regulatory gap that has real consequences for where companies build, where capital is deployed, and how quickly institutional adoption moves in the US.

And crypto investors will likely now have to wait until at least 2027 before the bill is revisited.

“Market structure legislation is done for 2026, and the next realistic window is a new Congress,” Jasper De Maere, an over-the-counter trader at Wintermute, noted.

What else has got crypto investors jittery?

The Ethereum and Bitcoin prices are also facing headwinds from high US inflation, leading to increasing expectations of an interest rate hike from the US Federal Reserve.

Like most risk assets, Bitcoin has proven to be very sensitive to interest rate levels.

Commenting on the impact of the inflationary pressure and interest rate outlook on Bitcoin, Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, said (quoted by Moneycontrol):

These factors can restrict liquidity and reduce risk appetite across crypto markets. However, Bitcoin’s relative stability suggests underlying demand remains resilient. Overall, macro conditions remain restrictive, but crypto continues to absorb external pressure without a broader breakdown.

The post Why did the Bitcoin price just plunge 6%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bitcoin is back below US$77,000. Is this an opportunity for ASX investors?
• Why is the Bitcoin price rocketing 16% this week?

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

A $650,000 superannuation balance is slightly above the current benchmark for a comfortable retirement.

It’s the type of nest egg that many Aussies aspire to have. They focus hard on building their superannuation balance, ensuring the fund is performing well, and adding extra voluntary contributions wherever they can.

It’s a solid plan. But did you know that if you invest your superannuation wisely, you could also generate a passive income to live off when it’s time to retire?

But how much passive income could a $650,000 balance realistically generate each month?

Let’s break it down.

What passive income can I earn off a $650,000 superannuation balance?

The math is simple. 

To calculate your potential passive income, you simply need to multiply your total superannuation balance by the overall dividend yield of your portfolio.

But the problem is that the answer varies widely depending on what that dividend yield is.

For example, $650,000 x 3% = $19,500 per year in dividend payments.

But if your portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield of around 4%, your passive income will be higher. That’s because $650,000 x 4% = $26,000 per year in dividend payments. 

If your superannuation portfolio yields closer to 5%, you could earn $32,500 every year in dividend payments off the same superannuation balance ($650,000 x 5% = $32,500).

Then, at a 6% yield, you could earn an annual passive income of around $39,000, and at 7%, it could be even higher, at around $45,500.

And so on… 

As your dividend yield increases, the passive income you can earn from your $650,000 superannuation balance also increases.

Note too that these figures are based on cash dividends before any tax or franking credit benefits.

Give me some ideas of what ASX shares I can invest my superannuation in

There is a huge range of shares out there, and their dividend yields vary significantly.

Some of my top picks would be defensive stocks. These are companies whose earnings tend to remain relatively steady throughout times of economic instability. They typically operate in “non-discretionary” industries where demand remains relatively stable even when consumer confidence dips. 

Their stable nature means they can help reduce the volatility of an overall investment portfolio. This is particularly valuable during times when geopolitical tensions are ongoing and inflation is stubbornly high.

These can be supermarket, telecommunications, or infrastructure stocks. Demand for food items and essential services is generally stable throughout all sections of the economic cycle. Think Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), and Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU). These shares yield between 3% and 6%.

Major blue chips like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) are generally considered cyclical stocks but with strong defensive qualities (rather than pure defensive stocks). These types of shares are highly regarded for their dominant market position and stable dividends. At the time of writing, the shares yield around 3% to 4%.

Diversify your portfolio

Remember that if you want to aim for, say, a 5% yielding portfolio, not every stock in that portfolio has to yield 5%. You should aim for a diversified range of shares yielding varying amounts, which combined total 5%.

It’s also best to focus on a diverse range of high-quality businesses with strong balance sheets and stable earnings. Ideally, you want to focus on stocks that are most likely to stand the test of time.

And you don’t need to invest the whole sum in one go. Start with regular monthly investments and let compounding do some of the hard work for you.

The post How much passive income could I earn from a $650,000 superannuation balance? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to make $26,000 of passive income from ASX shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Domino’s Pizza, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Westfarmers shares
• ASX 200 drops again as selling continues
• Woolworths vs Coles: Which supermarket giant is the better ASX buy?
• Worried about a recession? These ASX shares would be just fine

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