Category: Stock Market

Right now, it feels like investors are being hit from every angle.

Ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East are creating uncertainty. Energy markets remain volatile, fuelling concerns about inflation. And here in Australia, cost of living pressures are at the forefront of households’ minds.

When headlines are dominated by fear, it becomes harder to stay optimistic — and even harder to stay consistent with an investment plan.

Yet history suggests this is exactly when simple strategies matter most.

Markets have always climbed a wall of worry

It is easy to believe that “this time is different”.

The current backdrop — geopolitical tensions, rising fuel costs, and inflation — feels uniquely challenging. But zooming out tells a very different story.

Over the past century, equity markets in both Australia and the United States have navigated:

• World wars
• Oil shocks
• Financial crises
• Pandemics
• Political instability

And yet, broad indices like the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) and major US benchmarks have continued to trend higher over time.

This phenomenon is often described as the “wall of worry” — markets advancing despite a constant stream of negative news.

The key insight is simple: short-term fear is persistent, but long-term progress in businesses and economies has historically been more powerful.

The strategy that gets hardest when it matters most

Dollar-cost averaging is often described as one of the simplest ways to invest.

Invest regularly. Ignore short-term noise. Let time and compounding do the heavy lifting.

But the reality is more nuanced.

This approach becomes most difficult during market declines — precisely when it is most powerful.

When markets fall, sentiment weakens. Confidence drops. The instinct to pause or wait for clarity kicks in.

Yet those periods often produce the most attractive long-term entry points.

Buying when prices are lower sounds easy. Continuing to do so when the news cycle is negative is where discipline is tested.

A practical framework: building a core and adding conviction

One way to stay grounded through volatility is to structure a portfolio deliberately.

A commonly used approach is the core and satellite strategy — a framework that balances stability with opportunity.

The core: broad exposure that does the heavy lifting

At the centre of the portfolio sits a diversified foundation, typically built using broad-market ETFs.

For Australian investors, that often includes:

• Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) – exposure to around 1,500 global companies
• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) – coverage of Australia’s largest listed businesses
• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) – access to leading US companies
• VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) – focused on businesses with durable competitive advantages

These types of holdings are designed to capture long-term economic growth across markets, sectors, and geographies.

They are not about chasing the next big winner. They are about participating in the broader progress of global business over time.

The satellites: targeted ideas around the edges

Around that core, investors can allocate a smaller portion to higher-conviction ideas.

This could include individual companies or thematic ETFs such as:

• BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
• VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND)

These positions bring focus and potential upside, particularly in areas benefiting from structural tailwinds like digital security, defence spending, or large-scale technology adoption.

The key is proportion.

The core provides stability and consistency. The satellites introduce variability and opportunity.

Why this approach fits today’s environment

In uncertain periods, complexity often increases.

Investors are tempted to react — shifting allocations, chasing trends, or waiting for clarity that rarely comes.

A structured approach helps cut through that noise.

• The core ensures you remain invested in long-term growth
• The satellites allow you to express views without overexposing your portfolio
• Dollar-cost averaging keeps capital flowing consistently

Importantly, this framework does not rely on predicting macro events — something even professionals struggle to do consistently.

Foolish takeaway

The current environment feels challenging, but uncertainty has always been part of investing.

Markets have moved forward through decades of conflict, inflation shocks, and economic cycles.

For investors, the real edge often comes from consistent behaviour.

Simple strategies like dollar-cost averaging, combined with a clear core and satellite structure, can help maintain that discipline.

Because in many cases, the moments that feel hardest to invest are the ones that matter most over the long term.

The post This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are 5 ASX ETFs that I would buy with $50,000
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?
• Where I’d invest $50,000 into ASX ETFs today
• This simple ASX strategy could outperform most investors

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares could be a good decision for investors wanting to own a stable ASX bank share capable of delivering a rising dividend.

CBA has long been viewed as an expensive bank, but even the detractors of the bank would have to admit that the bank’s performance this decade has been more consistent than its major competitors of National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

Time will tell exactly what CBA’s profit and dividends will do over the next few years, but leading analysts have estimated what could happen with regards to its passive income.

FY26

We’re three-quarters of the way through the 2026 financial year, so there’s not much longer to go until we learn what the FY26 annual dividend will be.

The business recently reported its FY26 half-year result which included a number of positives.

Firstly, the interim dividend per share increased by 4% to $2.35 per share.

This dividend growth was funded by the ASX bank share’s net profit, which increased by 5% to $5.4 billion, and the cash net profit rose 6% to $5.4 billion.

CBA attributed the profit growth to lending and deposit volume growth in its core businesses. This was partially offset by a lower net interest margin (NIM) and higher operating expenses (which was primarily due to inflation and its continued investment in technology).

Australia’s biggest bank said that competition continues to be a headwind for the NIM.

The ASX bank share’s pre-provision (for bad debts) profit grew 5% year-over-year to $8.1 billion, while the loan impairment was flat year over year (but down 21% compared to the second half of FY25).

Of course, all of these figures happened for the six months to 31 December 2025. That means the Middle East conflict didn’t impact the numbers.

Analyst estimates could change in the coming weeks based on what happens in the Middle East, but currently the projection on CMC Invest suggests a FY26 annual dividend of $5.05 per CBA share.

That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

FY27

If the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) does continue raising the Australian cash rate to try to tackle inflation, there could be a couple of major factors that play out for CBA.

It could lead to a higher NIM because CBA can earn more margin on lending out money on CBA account balances that pay low/zero interest (like transaction accounts). It may also mean that loan arrears and bad debts increase if some borrowers struggle with the higher interest rate.

The current estimate on CMC Invest suggests the payout will be $5.25 per CBA share, a rise of 4% year-over-year.

FY28

The last year of this series of projections could see another increase of the dividend for owners of CBA shares.

The forecast on CMC Invest suggests that the ASX bank share’s annual dividend could increase to $5.40 per share. That would be a year-over-year rise of 2.9%.

If the business does pay that amount, it would mean a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.4%, including franking credits.

The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year
• Which ASX bank has the biggest dividend yield?
• Would I buy BHP, CBA, and CSL shares today?
• 3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April

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

If you think nuclear power is the future and have a higher than average risk tolerance, then it could be worth considering the ASX uranium stock in this article.

That’s because the team at Bell Potter believes this ASX penny stock could rocket significantly higher over the next 12 months if everything goes to plan.

Which ASX uranium stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a speculative buy is Alligator Energy Ltd (ASX: AGE).

It is an exploration and development company with a focus on the Samphire uranium project, which is southeast of Whyalla in South Australia.

Bell Potter notes that the ASX uranium stock conducted a scoping study in 2023 confirming amenability for in-situ-recovery (ISR) mining similar to that utilised by Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) at Honeymoon. Samphire has a targeted initial project of ~1.2Mlbspa U3O8 production over a 12-year mine life.

Bell Potter recently visited the Samphire uranium project and was pleased with what it saw. It said:

We attended a site visit to the Samphire Uranium project, southeast of Whyalla,which is in the process of conducting a Field Recovery Trial (FRT). The FRT aims to de-risk technical aspects of Samphire and provide data into the upcoming Bankable Feasibility study (BFS). The FRT is being conducted across two wellfields (A & B), with differing grade and permeability characteristics to provide a representative sample of expected operations.

The broker highlights that there is now a pathway to approvals and ultimately production. It adds:

The data collected in the FRT will be utilised in the upcoming BFS (1HCY27), alongside additional drilling being conducted at Samphire, aimed at increasing resource confidence and expanding the Mineral Resource Estimate. AGE obtained a Retention Lease (RL) to conduct the FRT, which laid out a pathway towards an eventual Mining lease (ML) application.

The team believes this process helped to build on community and stakeholder engagement, identify the key environmental risks and commence collection of environmental baseline studies. With this knowledge in process they believe the regulatory approvals process may be streamlined.

Big potential returns from this ASX penny stock

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating on the ASX penny stock with a 7 cents price target.

Based on its current share price of 3.7 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 90% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on the company and its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

We maintain our Speculative Buy recommendation and $0.07/sh valuation for AGE. Samphire is being de-risked through to an eventual Final Investment Decision, which could see first production towards the end of the decade. We model Samphire as a standalone 1.2Mlbpa producer, with optionality from additional Resource discovery providing an upside scenario to our production base case or extending the ~12 year life of Mine.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX penny stock could rocket 90% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• 4 of the best ASX mining stocks to buy in the current environment
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Why Boss Energy shares are falling despite positive uranium update

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

The Australian share market is a great hunting ground for income investors.

The challenge is that there are so many ASX income shares to pick from.

But don’t worry because right now, there are three ASX shares that stand out to me. Here’s why I’d buy them if I were building an income portfolio.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour Group is one name I think flies under the radar a bit when it comes to income investing.

At its core, this is a business built around liquor retail and hospitality. These are not high-growth areas, but in my view, they can be relatively resilient.

People tend to keep spending on everyday indulgences even when economic conditions are less certain. That gives Endeavour a fairly steady revenue base, supported by well-known brands (BWS and Dan Murphy’s) and a large national footprint.

What I find appealing from an income perspective is the consistency. The company generates solid cash flow, which supports its ability to pay dividends.

While it is currently going through a strategy reset, I think the early progress has been positive.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

If I am looking for income, it is hard to ignore infrastructure.

APA Group owns and operates a large portfolio of energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and renewable energy assets across Australia.

What I like about this type of business is the predictability. A significant portion of APA’s earnings is linked to long-term contracts, which can provide stable and visible cash flows. That is exactly what I want to see from an income investment.

It also has a long history of paying growing distributions, which I think adds to its appeal for income investors.

Of course, infrastructure businesses are not without risks, particularly when it comes to interest rates and regulation. But overall, I see APA as a relatively defensive ASX income stock.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas might not be the first name that comes to mind for income. 

Airlines are typically seen as cyclical businesses. Earnings can fluctuate based on demand, fuel costs, and broader economic conditions.

But I think Qantas is different after emerging from recent years in a structurally stronger position, with a lower cost base, a more efficient fleet, and improved capacity discipline.

The company is now generating strong earnings and cash flow from its operations, which I believe gives it the potential to return meaningful capital to shareholders over time.

While a recent surge in oil prices could weigh on profitability in the immediate term, I’m optimistic that this is a short term headwind and oil prices will trend lower in the second half of the year.

Foolish takeaway

Income investing does not have to mean sacrificing quality or growth.

For me, Endeavour Group offers steady, consumer-driven cash flow, APA Group provides infrastructure-backed income, and Qantas brings structurally stronger earnings and dividend potential.

Each plays a different role, but together they highlight the range of income opportunities available on the ASX.

The post Why I’d buy these 3 ASX income shares this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I think smart investors should buy these ASX 200 blue-chip shares with $10,000
• 6 ASX shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?
• This ASX retail giant’s shares just hit a record low. What’s going on?
• Qantas shares extend losses as fuel costs reshape operations
• Why Qantas shares could be flying into turbulence

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

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) remains the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest easing to 15.2%. Short sellers appear to be doubting that the struggling pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will succeed.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 14.5%, which is down since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has faced delays gaining FDA approval for a couple of its therapies recently. Short sellers don’t appear to believe a change is coming in 2026.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 14.2%, which is up again since last week. This may have been driven by valuation concerns with the medical device company’s shares trading on high multiples.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.8%, which is up week on week. This burrito seller’s shares have been under significant pressure since the release of its results last month which revealed that it is struggling in the United States market. This was supposed to be its largest growth opportunity.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 12%, which is up since last week. There are concerns over this uranium miner’s production outlook beyond 2026.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest fall meaningfully to 11.9%. It has been a tough period for this wine giant, which is battling consumer spending pressures and distributor disruption.
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) has entered the top ten with short interest of 11.1%. It is one of a number of ASX uranium stocks being targeted by short sellers.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.9%, which is up week on week again. Short sellers may believe the Middle East conflict will impact travel markets.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has entered the top ten with 10.8% of its shares held short. Short sellers may believe this counter-drone technology company’s shares are overvalued after surging over the past 12 months.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 10.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week once again. Short sellers have been targeting this student placement and language testing company due to changes to visa rules in key markets.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Bell Potter saying about DroneShield and EOS shares this week?
• Bell Potter says this ASX penny stock could rocket 90%
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why DroneShield, Hub24, Syrah, and Weebit Nano shares are sinking today
• 6 ASX shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

While investors obsess over artificial intelligence winners, smart money is quietly flowing into ASX ETFs like Global X US Infrastructure ETF (ASX: PAVE) and Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ). They offer exposure to the real-world assets powering the next phase of global growth.

It’s part of a broader shift known as the HALO strategy — Heavy Assets, Low Obsolescence. And unlike the fast-moving world of software, this approach focuses on businesses that own the physical backbone of the economy.

Think energy grids, transport networks, and industrial systems. The kind of assets that are not only essential, but incredibly difficult to replace.

Let’s take a closer look at the ASX ETFs targeting the infrastructure powering the AI boom.

Global X US Infrastructure ETF

This ASX ETF targets US-listed companies involved in infrastructure development, many of which stand to benefit directly from the surge in spending tied to AI, electrification, and industrial policy.

Among its key holdings are Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) and Vulcan Materials Co (NYSE: VMC) — businesses that quite literally build the foundations of economic expansion. Whether it’s roads, power systems, or large-scale construction, these companies are deeply embedded in the growth story.

And here’s the twist many investors are missing: AI doesn’t just need chips and code, it needs infrastructure. Data centres require enormous amounts of electricity, cooling, and physical construction.

The more AI adoption accelerates, the more demand rises for the heavy industries that support it. That puts infrastructure players in a powerful position, with long-term tailwinds and relatively stable demand.

Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF

Meanwhile, this Vanguard ASX ETF offers a different angle on the same theme — global industrial strength.

This fund provides exposure to leading European companies operating across manufacturing, energy, and automation. Among its top holdings are Nestlé S.A. (XSWX: NESN) and ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ: ASML) While not traditional infrastructure plays, these giants sit at the heart of global supply chains and advanced manufacturing. They’re both critical to the AI ecosystem and broader economic resilience.

What makes Europe particularly interesting right now is the renewed focus on reindustrialisation. Governments across the region are investing heavily in energy security, domestic production, and supply chain independence. That’s turning established industrial hubs into prime beneficiaries of the next wave of capital spending.

Foolish Takeaway

For investors, the appeal of HALO is straightforward. These are businesses with tangible assets, pricing power, and long-term relevance. They may not deliver the explosive upside of a hot tech stock, but they offer something arguably more valuable — durability.

The bottom line is this: while AI may dominate the headlines, it’s the companies building the physical world behind it that could quietly deliver some of the most reliable returns.

ASX ETFs like PAVE and VEQ provide a simple way to tap into that trend. They’re giving investors exposure not just to innovation, but to the infrastructure that makes it possible.

The post Forget AI hype, these ASX ETFs back the real winners of the boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• What is Bell Potter saying about DroneShield and EOS shares this week?
• This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for CBA shares
• Bell Potter says this ASX penny stock could rocket 90%

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 ASML and Caterpillar. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The good news for investors focused on building a long-term reliable income stream, is that the ASX is home to a number of companies with the scale, stability, and cash flow to support dividend payments.

The key is finding businesses that not only pay attractive dividend yields today but also have the resilience and earnings power to sustain and grow those dividends over time.

Here are three ASX dividend shares that could be worth buying and holding.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra remains one of the market’s most recognisable income shares, but its story is continuing to evolve.

Having completed its T25 strategy, the company is now focused on its next phase of growth through its Connected Future 30 plan. This strategy is centred on doubling down on connectivity, investing in digital infrastructure, and extracting greater value from its network assets.

Given that Telstra expects demand for data and connectivity to keep accelerating, driven by trends such as AI adoption and increasing digital reliance, this positions it to benefit from long-term structural tailwinds.

Importantly, Telstra is also focused on improving returns by shifting from simply selling bandwidth to delivering higher-value services.

With resilient earnings, strong infrastructure assets, and a clear roadmap for growth, Telstra looks well placed to continue delivering attractive fully franked dividends.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban offers a very different type of income exposure, built around essential infrastructure.

The company owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America, generating revenue from daily commuters. These assets tend to have long concession lives and benefit from population growth and urban expansion.

One of Transurban’s key strengths is the inflation-linked nature of many of its toll agreements. This means revenue can increase over time even in challenging economic environments, helping to protect returns.

In addition, major project developments and road upgrades provide opportunities to expand capacity and drive further earnings growth.

With robust demand and visible long-term cash flows, Transurban stands out as an ASX dividend share that can offer both income and a degree of growth.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Finally, Woolworths provides exposure to a different kind of reliability, rooted in everyday consumer spending.

As one of Australia’s largest supermarket operators, the company benefits from consistent demand for groceries and essential goods. Regardless of economic conditions, consumers still need to eat, which supports steady revenue generation.

And while retail can be competitive, Woolworths’ scale, strong brand, and extensive distribution network give it a significant advantage.

This could position Woolworths as a solid option for investors looking to buy and hold ASX dividend shares for the long term.

The post 3 blue-chip ASX dividend shares to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan
• ASX chaos? Here’s how to invest smart, stay calm and win
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy if the market fell another 10%
• Forget Telstra shares! Buy this fast-rising ASX 200 telco stock instead

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths 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.

If I had $50,000 to invest today and wanted to put the money into exchange-traded funds (ETFs), I would be considering the five funds in this article.

They give investors access to many world-class businesses and companies with strong long-term growth potential.

Here’s why I would be seriously considering them this week.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

I would start with a core allocation to the Australian market through the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

It provides exposure to a broad range of Australian shares, from large caps like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) through to mid and smaller companies like Temple & Webster Ltd (ASX: TPW) and Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR).

I like the balance it offers between income and growth, as well as the benefit of franking credits. It is not the most exciting ASX ETF, but I think it is one of the most dependable.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

Next, I would want meaningful exposure to the United States through the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF.

In my view, it is hard to ignore the long-term strength of the US market.

This ETF gives access to 500 of the largest companies in the world’s biggest economy, including global leaders across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors.

I see this as a key growth driver in the portfolio, and a way to diversify away from Australia’s relatively concentrated market.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

While broad exposure is important, I also like having a tilt toward quality.

That is where the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF comes in.

This ETF focuses on stocks with strong returns on equity, stable earnings, and low financial leverage. I think that kind of discipline can be particularly valuable during periods of volatility.

For me, this is about increasing the overall quality of the portfolio without having to pick individual global stocks.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

I would also include the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF.

I believe Asia will play an increasingly important role in global economic growth over the coming decades.

This ETF provides access to a wide range of markets, including China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea. It adds a different set of growth drivers compared to the US and Australia.

It can be more volatile, but over the long term, I think that growth potential is worth having in the portfolio.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Finally, I would add a small allocation with the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity is an area I believe will only become more important over time. As businesses and governments continue to migrate to the cloud, the need to protect data and systems is growing rapidly.

This ASX ETF provides exposure to a range of global cybersecurity companies, offering a more targeted growth opportunity alongside the broader market exposures.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $50,000 today, I would focus on ETFs that I could hold for years.

The VAS ETF would provide a strong Australian foundation, the V500 ETF would deliver exposure to the US, the QUAL ETF would add a quality tilt, the VAE ETF would capture Asian growth, and the HACK ETF would bring a thematic edge.

The post Here are 5 ASX ETFs that I would buy with $50,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market
• Is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF a good long-term investment?
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan
• Why I’m seriously thinking about buying these ASX ETFs in April

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, SiteMinder, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group 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.

The ASX mining share Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) has seen its fair share of volatility in the past 12 months, as the chart below shows. Due to multiple compelling reasons, this could be an exciting time to look at the mining giant.

Could the iron ore price rise?

Commodity prices are seeing significant change because of the Middle East events.

Iron ore isn’t produced in the Middle East – Australia and Brazil are two of the biggest producers of the commodity. But, the impacts of the Middle East could lead to a higher iron ore price the longer this goes on.

The iron ore miners are huge users of diesel, which has jumped in price and reduced in availability. Unless the conflict is resolved quickly, this could possibly result in diesel shortages.

If the diesel leads to reduced iron ore production globally for one reason or another, it could mean a higher iron ore price and therefore stronger profit generation for Fortescue, which would be a strong support for the Fortescue share price.

There are a lot of ifs there, but it’s something to keep in mind.

More appealing dividend yield

Fortescue has been one of the largest dividend payers over the last several years and I think that’s likely to continue, particularly if the iron ore price were to increase from here.

When the Fortescue share price falls, it can lead to a pleasing boost of the dividend yield. Considering the business has fallen by more than 11% since the 2026 peak, at the time of writing, this could be a good time to look at the business.

Excitingly, a 10% fall in the share price means the same sort of boost to the size of the dividend yield. For example, if the business had a 6% dividend yield and then the share price drops 10%, the dividend yield would become 6.6%.

According to CommSec, the Fortescue annual dividend per share for FY26 is projected to be $1.02. At the time of writing, that would mean a grossed-up dividend yield of more than 7%, including franking credits, which is a strong level of passive income even with interest rates moving higher.

Increasing copper exposure

I believe one of the most appealing aspects about the long-term for Fortescue shares is that the ASX mining share is looking to build up its exposure to copper.

Iron ore is exposed to uncertain Chinese demand, as well as an expected increase of supply from Africa which could be a headwind for the commodity price in the coming years. Therefore, the move to gain exposure to copper looks like a good strategic choice in the long-term because of global electrification and decarbonisation efforts.

The miner recently announced that it had progressed a binding agreement with Alta Copper Corp where Fortescue will buy the rest of the copper miner that it doesn’t already own through a Canadian plan of arrangement.

Fortescue will need to continue expanding its copper plans if it wants that commodity to play an important part of its earnings, but I think it’s a good start.

The post 3 reasons why this could be a great time to buy Fortescue shares! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• Is this ASX iron ore stock a better buy than Fortescue?
• Which mining minnow is up more than 100% after a former Fortescue exec joined the board?
• How much could the Fortescue share price rise in the next year?
• Are Fortescue shares a top buy in March?

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

Trying to outperform the market is not easy. But it is possible.

I think by focusing on ASX 200 shares with lasting advantages, long growth runways, and the ability to compound earnings at an attractive rate, investors have a chance at beating the market.

With that said, here are three shares that I believe have a genuine shot at outperforming over the next 10 years.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

One of the first names that comes to mind for me is Goodman Group.

I do not really see it as a traditional property business. To me, it looks more like a global infrastructure platform that is tied to some of the most important trends in the economy right now.

Its exposure to logistics is already compelling, but what really stands out is its push into data centres.

With demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure continuing to grow, I believe Goodman is well positioned to benefit. Its access to strategic land, power, and capital gives it a meaningful edge in delivering these projects.

Over a decade, I think those advantages could translate into strong earnings growth.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus is a company I find particularly interesting because of how specialised its offering is.

It operates in medical imaging software and has built a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions to major hospitals and healthcare providers.

What I like most is its business model. It tends to win long-term contracts with high-value clients, which can provide recurring revenue and strong margins. On top of that, it has been expanding into other ologies and leveraging AI.

The valuation is still not conventionally cheap despite a heavy share price decline this year. But in my view, businesses with strong competitive positioning and global growth opportunities often command a premium for a reason.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech is another company that I think fits the profile of a long-term compounder.

Its software platform, CargoWise, is deeply embedded in global logistics operations. That creates a level of stickiness that I believe is difficult for competitors to replicate.

As global trade continues to evolve and digitise, I see ongoing demand for more efficient and integrated logistics solutions.

What I find compelling is that once customers are on the platform, switching can be complex and costly. That can help support pricing power and long-term customer retention.

While there is some uncertainty with changes to its business model, if it executes successfully, it could set WiseTech up for strong and sustainable growth long into the future. 

For this reason, I think it has potential to beat the market over the next 10 years.

Foolish takeaway

Outperforming the market is never guaranteed, and even high-quality companies can go through periods of underperformance.

But when I look at these three ASX 200 shares, I see businesses with strong fundamentals, clear growth drivers, and the potential to compound over time.

If I were building a portfolio with a 10-year horizon, these are the types of companies I would want to own.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares that could beat the market over the next 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year
• 3 bargain ASX tech shares I’d buy right now
• Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,500
• Are we in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy cheap ASX shares?

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