Author: openjargon

When you are investing for 20 years, you are no longer trying to predict next quarter’s earnings. You are backing structural trends, strong businesses, and broad market growth that can compound over decades.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be strong long-term holdings for Aussie investors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The S&P 500 index has been one of the most powerful wealth-building engines in modern financial history. The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives investors exposure to this index with a click of the button.

It provides investors with a slice of 500 leading US stocks across a range of sectors including healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and financials. Holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD), and Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX).

Over a 20-year timeframe, backing America’s largest and most innovative companies has historically rewarded patient investors. And while there will inevitably be corrections along the way, the long-term trend has been upward.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Diversification is crucial when investing for decades. The Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF helps achieve this by providing exposure to over a thousand stocks across developed markets outside Australia. That includes businesses such as Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Visa (NYSE: V), and Roche Holding (SWX: ROG).

By investing across the US, Europe, and parts of Asia, this ASX ETF reduces reliance on any single economy. Over 20 years, global diversification can help smooth returns while still capturing international growth.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another buy and hold candidate is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. It focuses on US companies with sustainable competitive advantages.

Rather than simply tracking market size, it screens for businesses that have wide moats and are trading at attractive valuations. Current holdings include Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), Microsoft, Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

Quality at a reasonable price is a strategy that has worked for decades, and it remains a sensible approach for long-term investors.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Technology will likely look very different in 2046 than it does today.

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides investors with exposure to companies involved in robotics and artificial intelligence, including Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN).

Automation and AI are expected to reshape industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. Over a 20-year horizon, these technologies could be far more deeply embedded in the global economy than they are today.

The team at Betashares recently recommended this fund.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

A final ASX ETF to consider as a buy and hold investment is the Betashares India Quality ETF. It provides access to a group of high-quality Indian stocks.

India’s growing population, expanding middle class, and ongoing economic reforms create a backdrop for long-term expansion. And while emerging markets can be volatile, a 20-year horizon allows investors to ride out short-term swings and potentially benefit from structural growth.

It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 5 amazing ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 20 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to invest like Warren Buffett using ASX ETFs
• The easy way for Aussies to invest globally on the ASX
• How to build serious wealth with ASX shares
• 3 ASX ETFs for beginner investors to buy in March
• The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Adobe, Apple, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Starbucks, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and Roche Holding AG and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical, short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe, and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Starbucks, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Air New Zealand Ltd (ASX: AIZ) share price is in focus today as the company posted a half-year loss of $40 million after tax and announced no interim dividend, impacted by engine maintenance delays and rising costs.

What did Air New Zealand report?

• Operating revenue up 1.2% to $3.44 billion for 1H FY26
• EBITDA of $347 million
• Loss before taxation of $59 million (compared to prior period profit of $144 million)
• Net loss after taxation: $40 million
• Liquidity at $1.3 billion; net debt to EBITDA of 2.6x
• No interim dividend declared

What else do investors need to know?

The half-year loss was mainly driven by global engine maintenance issues, slower-than-hoped domestic demand recovery, higher aviation system costs, and a weaker New Zealand dollar. Up to eight aircraft were grounded at times, reducing capacity and contributing to $90 million in lost earnings despite partial compensation from engine makers.

A strategic review is underway, with the airline focusing on returning to sustained profitability amid ongoing cost pressures. Air New Zealand is also progressing operational improvements, such as upgrading its Boeing 777 interiors and refreshing its loyalty program.

What did Air New Zealand management say?

Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar said:

With the support of the Board we are undertaking a comprehensive review of all aspects of the business, with the objective of returning the airline to sustained profitability through enhanced operational performance, growth and further cost transformation initiatives… While we are disappointed that the engine availability issues have taken longer than anticipated to resolve, we are pleased with recent progress and now expect a total of four grounded Airbus neo and Boeing 787 aircraft to return to service throughout the 2026 calendar year. We will also take delivery of two of ten new 787 aircraft later in the financial year, providing widebody capacity growth of around 20 percent to 25 percent over the next two years.

What’s next for Air New Zealand?

The airline expects second half capacity to rise as grounded aircraft return and new planes arrive, but cautions that earnings may not immediately benefit. Air New Zealand forecasts 2H26 earnings broadly in line with or modestly below the first half, assuming jet fuel averages US$85 per barrel.

Key risks remain, including the timing of aircraft returns, the outcome of further compensation talks, and ongoing volatility in costs and demand. The strategic review will target operational improvements and a renewed focus on sustainable growth and connectivity.

Air New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Air New Zealand shares have declined 10%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Air New Zealand reports half-year loss appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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. 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.

If I had $50,000 to deploy into ASX 200 blue chips today, I would try and focus on quality. 

This means market leaders and businesses with competitive advantages and the ability to grow earnings over time. 

They may not necessarily be the cheapest stocks on the board, but companies I’d feel comfortable holding through multiple market cycles.

Here’s where I’d start.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions, operating in a niche that requires deep expertise, regulatory approval, and long-term relationships with surgeons and hospitals.

This is not a business that can be easily disrupted. The barriers to entry are high, the product is life-changing, and switching providers is not straightforward.

While earnings can fluctuate depending on procedure volumes and currency movements, I believe the long-term growth drivers remain intact. Ageing populations and improving access to healthcare globally should support demand for decades.

For me, Cochlear represents high-quality healthcare exposure with global reach.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman is one of the world’s leading industrial property groups, focused on logistics facilities, warehouses, and increasingly data centre-related infrastructure.

What I like most is its development capability and capital-light model. It partners with institutional capital, earns management fees, and captures development profits, rather than simply owning static assets.

The long-term tailwinds from ecommerce, supply chain reconfiguration, and digital infrastructure demand continue to support its strategy.

Even though the property sector can be cyclical, I think Goodman’s positioning in high-demand assets makes it one of the strongest ASX 200 blue chip stocks out there.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths gives exposure to essential spending. Supermarkets tend to be resilient across economic cycles. People might cut back on discretionary items, but they still buy groceries. That gives Woolworths relatively defensive earnings characteristics.

While the company has faced operational challenges and leadership upheaval in recent periods, I think its dominant market position and scale advantages remain powerful over the long run.

As part of a $50,000 ASX 200 blue chip stock allocation, I’d want at least one defensive consumer staple in the mix and Woolworths ticks all the boxes.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is more than just a retailer. With assets including Bunnings, Kmart, and other industrial and chemical operations, it combines strong retail cash flows with disciplined capital allocation.

What stands out to me is management’s willingness to transform its portfolio when the time comes. That capital discipline is a big reason the company has compounded value over time.

As a core blue chip holding, I think Wesfarmers provides both resilience and growth optionality.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Over the last 12 months, Sigma has transformed itself through its merger with Chemist Warehouse, creating a vertically integrated pharmacy and wholesale powerhouse.

That deal gives Sigma exposure not just to distribution margins but also to one of Australia’s most recognisable retail pharmacy brands. The combined entity benefits from scale, procurement power, and strong brand recognition.

Healthcare spending is generally non-discretionary, and I see long-term demand supported by population growth and ageing demographics.

For a blue chip with exposure to both retail and healthcare, Sigma adds a different growth and income dynamic to the portfolio.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $50,000 into ASX 200 blue chip stocks today, I’d consider spreading it across quality businesses with different drivers.

Cochlear, Goodman, Woolworths, Wesfarmers, and Sigma Healthcare each bring something different to the table. Together, I believe they form a balanced foundation built for long-term compounding.

The post 5 ASX 200 blue chip stocks I would buy with $50,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How high could Woolworths shares rise in 2026?
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• Why I would buy ResMed and these quality blue chips now

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

I think it is fair to say that ASX tech shares have had a rough ride lately.

Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, stretched valuations, and shifting competitive dynamics have led to sharp selloffs across the sector. Some investors are wondering whether the golden era of tech investing is over.

I would argue the opposite. The easy gains may be gone. But the long-term opportunity is far from finished.

Tech is infrastructure now

Technology is no longer a niche sector. It is the backbone of modern business.

Companies rely on cloud software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and automation to operate efficiently. Governments depend on digital systems. Consumers live increasingly online.

Take WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). Its CargoWise platform underpins global logistics operations. Switching costs are high, integration is complex, and customers depend on it to manage trade flows. That kind of embedded software is not easily replaced.

Or look at TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). It provides mission-critical software to governments and universities. These are long-term contracts with high retention rates, not speculative consumer apps.

These businesses are not optional add-ons. They are operational foundations.

AI disruption cuts both ways

There is no denying that artificial intelligence is changing the landscape.

Some fear it could lower barriers to entry and compress margins. But AI can also strengthen leading platforms, improve productivity, and create entirely new revenue streams.

Companies with scale, data, and established customer bases are often better positioned to harness AI than smaller competitors.

When releasing its half-year results this week, WiseTech CEO, Zubin Appoo, said:

We continue on our deliberate AI transformation journey. AI is strengthening our advantage, enabling significantly more automation and value for our customers, embedding our products more deeply into their daily operations, and unlocking levels of efficiency gains across WiseTech that were previously out of reach.

The winners are likely to be those that integrate AI into existing ecosystems rather than those starting from scratch.

Volatility creates opportunity

ASX tech shares tend to trade on long-term growth expectations. When sentiment shifts, valuations can fall quickly.

For patient investors, that can create entry points.

Consider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO). While its share price has been volatile, the business continues to expand internationally and deepen its product suite. If subscriber growth and monetisation remain strong, earnings power over the next decade could look very different from today.

Foolish takeaway

Digital transformation is not complete. Nor are automation and cloud adoption.

Technology will likely play an even larger role in the global economy in five to ten years than it does today.

As a result, I think there’s still a strong case for holding ASX tech shares in a portfolio right now.

The post Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If I were buying ASX dividend stocks, I would not be chasing the biggest yield on the board.

I’d be looking for businesses with robust cash flows, strong competitive positions, and the ability to keep generating income through different economic cycles. The kind of companies that can realistically pay, and potentially grow, dividends year after year.

These three stand out to me.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban owns and operates major toll roads across Australia and North America.

What appeals to me about this ASX dividend stock is the visibility of earnings. Traffic volumes tend to rise over time with population growth, and many of its concession agreements include inflation-linked toll increases.

That structure creates recurring, relatively predictable cash flows. Infrastructure assets like these are hard to replicate and require enormous capital, which strengthens Transurban’s competitive position.

For investors who want income backed by essential assets, I think Transurban fits the bill.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Australians.

Supermarkets are defensive by nature. Regardless of economic conditions, people still need groceries. That gives Woolworths a level of earnings resilience that many other retailers simply don’t have.

The company has faced challenges recently, including margin pressure and operational headwinds. But from a long-term perspective, I see a dominant market position, strong supply chain capabilities, and significant scale advantages.

As an ASX dividend stock, Woolworths has a long history of paying distributions. While dividend growth may ebb and flow with trading conditions, I believe the underlying business is built to keep generating the cash needed to reward shareholders over time.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra operates critical telecommunications infrastructure that underpins the modern economy.

Mobile connectivity, broadband, and enterprise services are not discretionary purchases. That recurring demand translates into stable revenue streams.

In recent years, Telstra has streamlined operations, strengthened its balance sheet, and focused on disciplined capital management. The result is a business that can generate consistent cash flow and pay fully franked dividends.

For income-focused investors, I think Telstra represents a straightforward, dependable ASX dividend stock designed to keep paying year after year.

Foolish takeaway

When thinking about ASX dividend stocks built for the long term, I’d focus on durability.

Transurban’s toll roads, Woolworths’ supermarket dominance, and Telstra’s telecom infrastructure all generate recurring cash flows from essential services. For me, that’s the foundation of an income portfolio designed to pay you reliably, year after year.

The post 3 ASX dividend stocks built to pay you year after year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell: Has the Woolworths share price peaked?
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Tech selloffs are rarely comfortable. But they can create opportunities. In 2026, several high-quality ASX growth names have been dragged lower amid broader weakness in technology stocks.

When sentiment turns against a sector, share prices can fall faster than fundamentals change. For investors willing to look past short-term volatility, I think three Aussie stocks stand out right now.

All three have fallen heavily this year. But I believe their long-term stories remain intact.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Life360 operates a global family safety platform built around subscription revenue.

Its core app allows families to share location data and access safety features, with revenue increasingly driven by paid plans rather than advertising. That recurring revenue model is important. It creates visibility and scalability.

Growth stocks like Life360 often experience outsized share price swings when markets become risk-averse. But if subscriber growth, engagement, and monetisation continue to improve, the long-term value of the platform could be significantly higher than today’s share price suggests.

If sentiment shifts back toward growth names, I think Life360 shares could rebound quickly.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus has long been one of the ASX’s standout software success stories.

The company provides advanced medical imaging software to hospitals and healthcare providers globally. Its Visage platform is known for speed and performance, particularly when handling large imaging files.

The business model is capital-light, highly profitable, and backed by long-term contracts. Yet like many premium software companies, its share price has been caught up in the broader tech selloff caused by AI disruption concerns.

I do not believe AI will disrupt Pro Medicus. It has spent years building its world-class software, which is backed by patents and industry trust.

If its earnings growth continues, this current share price weakness could prove temporary.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster is often viewed as a discretionary retail stock, but its online-only model gives it structural advantages.

The company operates without the burden of a large physical store network, allowing it to scale efficiently. Over time, it has invested in brand, logistics, and customer experience to strengthen its competitive position.

Retail and technology selloffs can overlap, and Temple & Webster has felt that pressure. But if consumer conditions stabilise and online penetration continues to grow, its earnings could recover faster than many expect.

For patient investors, I think this could be a chance to buy into Australia’s leading online furniture retailer at a more reasonable price.

Why I think they could pop

I am not predicting a sudden spike next week.

But markets tend to overshoot in both directions. When high-growth stocks are sold indiscriminately, it creates a gap between share price and long-term potential.

If broader tech sentiment improves, or if these companies continue delivering strong operational results, investor confidence could return quickly.

Foolish takeaway

Life360, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster have all fallen heavily in 2026 amid a tech selloff.

That does not automatically make them bargains. But if their long-term growth stories remain intact, I think the recent weakness could present a compelling opportunity.

The post 3 unmissable Aussie stocks to buy before they pop appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Life360 and Temple & Webster Group. 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. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) shares surged an enormous 23.53% on Wednesday. At the close of the ASX the shares had jumped to $1.05 a piece.

It was the best-performing stock on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) for the day.

The share price rise comes off the back of the company’s half-year result for FY26, which it posted ahead of the ASX open on Wednesday morning.

It also follows news earlier this month that Tabcorp had approached Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) with a potential takeover offer. To date, no formal offer has been made. Tabcorp has not made any statement about the discussions.

The price increase means Tabcorp shares are now 6.06% higher for the year-to-date and a massive 54.41% higher over the year.

What excited investors in Tabcorp’s latest results?

For the six months ending 31st December 2025, the wagering and gaming business posted a modest 1% increase in its group revenue and a 14.3% increase in EBITDA, from the prior corresponding period (pcp). 

Net profit after tax (NPAT) was 61.5% higher which helped the company hike its unfranked interim dividend 50% higher to 1.5 cents per share. The registration date is the 3rd of March, with dividend shareholder payment scheduled for the 24th of March.

Tabcorp’s net debt was $631.2 million at the end of the half, with the company saying its strong balance sheet put it in a good position to pursue growth opportunities.

The results easily surpassed analysts’ expectations for half-year net profit. The team at Jarden said that the NPAT figure was a huge 34% higher than consensus estimates and that the unfranked dividend increase was also a positive surprise. 

What do analysts expect from the stock for 2026?

We’ll likely see brokers confirm or adjust their outlook on Tabcorp shares in coming days. But at the time of writing, TradingView data suggests analysts are very bullish on the outlook for the stock.

Out of 12 analysts, 8 currently have a buy or strong buy rating on Tabcorp shares. The maximum target price is currently $1.20, which implies a 14.29% upside over the next 12 months. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if this was raised following the company’s result on Wednesday. 

The post Are Tabcorp shares a buy after soaring 24% following its half-year result? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
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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 Betmakers Technology Group. 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.

If I had $3,000 ready to invest and wanted to focus on income, I would be looking for reliable cash flows, reasonable growth potential, and businesses that can keep paying and potentially lifting their dividends over time.

Here are three ASX dividend shares I would consider.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first ASX dividend share I would look at is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This real estate investment trust (REIT) owns a portfolio of convenience-based shopping centres across Australia. These are typically anchored by supermarkets and essential service providers, which means foot traffic tends to be steady even during softer economic periods.

Long leases with built-in rental increases provide income visibility, and the trust structure means a large portion of earnings is paid out as distributions.

Retail property is not immune to economic cycles, but convenience-focused centres with strong tenants can offer more resilience than discretionary retail assets.

It currently trades with a 6.3% dividend yield, making it one of the most generous shares on the market.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Another ASX dividend share that I would consider for the $3,000 is Lottery Corporation.

As its name implies, it operates well-known lottery brands across Australia. Lotteries are a unique business. They generate strong cash flows, require relatively modest capital investment, and tend to hold up even when consumer confidence wobbles.

Because earnings are highly cash generative, a large share of profits can be returned to shareholders via dividends.

The defensive characteristics of lotteries, combined with stable demand, could make Lottery Corporation an interesting option for income investors.

According to consensus estimates, the market is currently expecting a 3.1% dividend yield from its shares in FY 2026.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A final ASX dividend share I would look at is Universal Store.

It operates a portfolio of youth-focused fashion brands and has been steadily expanding its store network. While retail can be cyclical, Universal Store has demonstrated an ability to manage inventory tightly and maintain healthy margins.

The company has also been returning a meaningful portion of profits to shareholders through dividends.

This means that Universal Store offers a blend of income and growth. And if earnings continue to increase as its store rollout continues, dividend payments could grow strongly over time.

It currently offers an estimated 4.4% FY 2026 dividend yield.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares I would buy with $3,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

When people think about investing like Warren Buffett, they often imagine that it would takes days of research and constant monitoring of the markets.

Buffett is known for looking for businesses with sustainable competitive advantages, strong returns on capital, sensible management, and attractive valuations. In his words, he prefers wonderful companies at fair prices over fair companies at wonderful prices.

But investing like the Oracle of Omaha doesn’t need to be hard. Not when there are ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there that do the work for you.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

If Warren Buffett had to design a rules-based ETF, I suspect it would look a lot like the MOAT ETF.

This fund invests in US stocks that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats. It doesn’t just buy quality businesses. It also considers valuation, targeting companies trading at attractive prices relative to their assessed fair value.

That combination of quality plus reasonable pricing feels very Buffett-like to me.

The portfolio typically includes well-known global leaders with pricing power and strong balance sheets. It is not just a momentum play. It is a high-conviction, research-driven strategy that rotates into opportunities when quality companies temporarily fall out of favour.

Instead of trying to identify the next Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) holding yourself, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF does the screening for you.

For long-term investors, that approach aligns neatly with Buffett’s focus on durable advantages and disciplined entry prices.

VanEck Global Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

The VanEck Global Wide Moat ETF takes things globally.

The GOAT ETF invests in global stocks that are identified as having wide economic moats and attractive valuations. While Buffett built much of his fortune in the US, the underlying principle of buying strong global franchises applies anywhere.

This fund provides exposure to dominant businesses across multiple sectors and regions, rather than concentrating in one market.

What I like about the GOAT ETF is that it still follows that valuation discipline. It is not simply buying the biggest names. It aims to combine quality with price awareness, which I think is crucial.

Buffett has always emphasised that price matters. Even the best business can be a poor investment if bought at the wrong valuation. The GOAT ETF’s methodology reflects that philosophy.

Foolish takeaway

Investing like Warren Buffett isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about discipline, patience, and owning strong businesses at fair prices.

For ASX investors who want a simple, rules-based way to apply those principles, I think the MOAT ETF and the GOAT ETF offer a compelling starting point.

The post How to invest like Warren Buffett using ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are in focus today after the supermarket giant posted strong earnings results. 

Woolworths shares shot 13% higher on Wednesday following its half-year earnings. 

Including yesterday’s gain, Woolworths shares have now climbed 37% since its 52-week low reached last October. 

The company reported half-year sales of $37.14 billion, up 3.4% year-on-year. 

It also reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) increase of 16.4% year-on-year to $859 million.

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $1.66 billion was up 14.4% from H1 FY 2025.

Holders of Woolworths shares would be rejoicing after what was a tough 2025. 

However, prospective investors may now be wondering if they have missed the boat. 

Here is the updated view from Bell Potter following yesterday’s gain. 

Results at a glance

Bell Potter analysis indicates Woolworths delivered a solid 1H26 result, with underlying NPAT of $859m up 16% YoY and ahead of both Bell Potter’s $845m forecast and the $816m market consensus, representing the key earnings beat. 

EBITDA of $3,206m (+9% YoY) also exceeded expectations (BPe $3,127m; VA $3,173m). 

Meanwhile, revenue of $37,135m (+3% YoY) was marginally below Bell Potter and consensus estimates. 

Margin performance improved, with gross margin up 18bps and cost of doing business down 25bps, supported by cycling prior-period industrial action and supply chain costs. 

Operating cash flow strengthened to $1,528m, capex declined to $913m, and net debt rose modestly to $5,091m. 

Bell Potter said consumer confidence has strengthened in NZ following recent interest rate cuts and has weakened in Australia.

According to the report, consumer spending indicators continued to demonstrate mid-single digit YoY growth in OOH channels through 1H26. Food inflation averaged +3.2% YoY but was stronger in 2Q26 than in 1Q26.

NPAT changes are +5% in FY26e, +5% in FY27e and +3% in FY26e.

Buy recommendation unchanged for Woolworths shares

Included in the report was a price target upgrade for Woolworths shares. 

Bell Potter increased its 12 month price target to $38.25 (previously $30.70). 

It retained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $35.63, that indicates an upside of 7.35%. 

The clear highlight is the pick-up in top line growth in the Australian food business, which adjusting for supply chain disruptions in the pcp returned to +3.2% YoY in 2Q26 (from +2.1% in 1Q26) and the maintenance of GM despite investing in price. 

While the stock has closed the gap on its historical trading multiple, we see execution against medium term targets in the Australian and NZ Food businesses as likely to sustain a reasonable level of growth to FY28e.

The post How high could Woolworths shares rise in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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