Category: Stock Market

After getting hammered in the wake of the Federal Budget release, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have staged a strong comeback.

If you own the big four S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock, you’ll likely remember the 10.4% share price crash suffered on 13 May.

That historic selling pressure followed CBA’s own March quarter (Q3 FY 2026) update, which coincided with numerous analyst forecasts of the potential negative impacts the Federal budget could have on CommBank’s loan book.

But since market close on 13 May, CBA shares have gained 7.11%, closing on Monday trading for $164.60 apiece.

For some context, the ASX 200 has gained 0.71% over this same period.

And looking ahead, Investor Pulse’s Mark Elzayed believes that Australia’s biggest bank could continue to outshine the wider market (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy CBA shares today?

“CBA remains Australia’s dominant retail bank,” Elzayed noted.

Citing the first reason you might want to buy CBA shares today, he said, “The recent sharp sell-off has created a more attractive entry point for long term investors.”

Indeed, despite the sizeable rebound since the recent closing low on 13 May, CBA shares remain down 5% over the past 12 months. And shares in the ASX 200 bank stock are still down 14% since hitting their all-time closing highs of $191.40 apiece on 25 June.

But, as Elzayed, noted, profits are still rolling in.

“The bank generated unaudited cash net profit after tax of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4% on the prior corresponding period,” he said, citing the second reason he’s bullish on the big four bank.

As for the third reason the bank stock could outperform, Elzayed said, “Lending and deposits continued to grow despite a softer economic backdrop.”

At its recent Q3 results, CBA reported:

Home loan new funding remained strong with $45 billion funded in the quarter. For the 12 months to March 2026, home loan balances grew $41 billion at 1.0x system, while household deposits grew $38 billion at 1.1x system.

Which brings us to the fourth reason you may wish to buy CBA shares today, namely the bank’s solid risk profile and reliable passive income.

“CBA also maintains strong capital levels and recently paid a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share for the first half of fiscal year 2026,” Elzayed said.

Summing up his bullish outlook on CommBank shares, he concluded, “The shares fell heavily following housing concerns flowing from the Federal Budget. We see scope for a recovery once sentiment stabilises.”

The post 4 reasons to buy CBA shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• Experts recommend CBA and these ASX shares as buys
• Why I think CBA shares are a blue-chip buy in June
• How big will the CBA dividend be in 2027?
• Where I’d invest $5,000 in ASX shares 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 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.

A self-managed super fund (SMSF) can have a very long investment horizon.

That is why I think quality should sit at the centre of the portfolio.

Three ASX shares I think could suit that role are named in this article.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is an ASX healthcare share I would be happy to own in an SMSF.

The company is a global leader in sleep apnoea treatment and connected respiratory care. Its devices help patients start therapy, while masks, accessories, software, and data tools support ongoing treatment.

I like that model for a long-term portfolio. The initial device sale is only part of the story. Patients often need replacement masks, cushions, tubing, and other supplies. That creates a recurring element that can support high margins and long-term earnings growth.

The sleep health market also remains underpenetrated. Many people with sleep apnoea have not been diagnosed or treated, which gives ResMed a long runway if awareness and testing continue to improve.

There are risks from competition and new treatment options, but I think ResMed’s brand, scale, and patient ecosystem remain valuable.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another world-class business I would consider for an SMSF.

This ASX share provides cloud accounting and financial software for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers.

What I like is that Xero can become part of the operation of a small business. Invoicing, payroll, payments, tax, reporting, and cash flow are not occasional tasks. They are central to how a business runs.

That gives the platform a strong position if it continues improving.

Xero also has a large international opportunity. Australia and New Zealand are strong markets, but the UK and US could provide a much longer runway if management executes well.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could add another growth engine. Small business owners often spend too much time on admin. If Xero can automate more of that work, its software could become even more valuable.

For an SMSF, I think Xero offers exposure to a global software business with many years of growth still ahead.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group would give an SMSF a very different type of world-class exposure.

It is not a traditional Australian bank. Macquarie has operations across asset management, commodities and global markets, banking, financial services, and investment banking.

That variety is one reason I like it. The group can benefit from infrastructure investment, energy transition, commodities volatility, private markets, capital flows, and specialist financing.

Earnings can be uneven from year to year. That is part of owning a business exposed to markets and investment activity.

But over long periods, Macquarie has shown an impressive ability to adapt and find attractive areas to deploy capital.

I think that adaptability is valuable for an SMSF with a long horizon.

Foolish Takeaway

An SMSF portfolio does not need to be filled with only defensive assets. I think there is room for high-quality growth shares that can compound over many years.

ResMed, Xero, and Macquarie share one useful trait: they have built strong positions that would be difficult for competitors to copy quickly.

That is the kind of business I would want working inside a super portfolio for the long term.

The post I would buy these world-class ASX shares for an SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to start investing in ASX shares in 2026
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett and load up on cheap ASX shares
• I’d buy these 3 ASX shares before the next market rally
• How to turn $500 a month into $500,000 with ASX shares
• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay

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

The ASX has no shortage of companies with strong long-term growth outlooks.

But which ones could be buys this week?

Let’s take a look at two ASX growth shares with bright prospects that could be worth considering for a balanced portfolio. They are as follows:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group has become one of the ASX’s most important property businesses, but it is no ordinary landlord.

It owns, develops, and manages high-quality logistics and industrial assets in major markets around the world. These are the types of properties that sit at the centre of modern supply chains, ecommerce networks, and data-heavy economies.

What makes Goodman attractive is the way its business has evolved. It is not just collecting rent from warehouses. It is using its global platform, development expertise, and landbank to meet demand from some of the world’s largest companies.

That includes customers looking for well-located logistics space close to major cities, ports, and transport corridors. It also includes growing demand for data centre infrastructure, which has become a major opportunity as artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive huge requirements for power and capacity.

For patient investors, Goodman’s combination of global scale, scarce assets, and exposure to structural demand could keep it relevant for many years.

Life360 (ASX: 360)

Another ASX growth share that could be a top long-term buy is family safety and location technology company Life360.

Its app helps people stay connected through location sharing, driving safety features, emergency support, and other family-focused services. That kind of engagement is important. A software platform becomes far more valuable when it is part of a regular routine rather than something customers use only occasionally.

The company has also been improving the way it turns its large user base into revenue. Subscription products, advertising, and connected device opportunities all give Life360 multiple paths for growth.

There is also a network effect element. The product becomes more useful when more family members and close contacts are on it. That can make it harder for competitors to displace, provided Life360 continues to invest in trust, safety, and product quality.

Like many ASX growth shares, Life360’s share price can be volatile. Expectations can move quickly when investors are paying for future earnings rather than today’s profits.

Even so, the company has a large addressable market and a clear consumer use case. If management keeps executing successfully, Life360 could remain one of the ASX’s standout technology stories.

The post 2 ASX growth shares that could be long-term winners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 high-quality ASX 200 shares experts rate as buys
• 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week
• How to turn $500 a month into $500,000 with ASX shares
• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay
• 2 ASX 200 shares I’d buy for the AI infrastructure boom

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

Starting to invest in ASX shares can seem harder than it needs to be.

There are thousands of companies, daily market moves, broker opinions, dividend forecasts, interest rate headlines, and economic data points.

But I think the best starting point is much simpler.

A beginner does not need to know everything on day one. The goal is to build a sensible process, buy quality assets, and let time do some of the heavy lifting.

Start with the purpose

The first question I would ask is: What am I investing for?

Some investors want long-term growth. Others want passive income. Some want a mix of both.

That answer can shape the types of ASX shares that make sense.

For long-term growth, I would focus on companies with strong market positions and room to expand. For income, I would look for businesses with reliable earnings and dividends that appear sustainable.

A beginner could also use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to get started, but individual ASX shares can play an important role if chosen carefully.

Keep the first few choices simple

When starting out, I think it is worth looking at businesses that are easy to understand.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is one example. The group owns brands that reach across everyday Australian spending, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline. It also has exposure to industrial earnings and lithium through Mt Holland.

That mix gives investors exposure to several parts of the economy in one company.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is another ASX share I think beginners could understand quickly. Mobile and internet services are part of daily life, giving the company a defensive advantage. The dividend can also appeal to investors wanting income.

For healthcare exposure, ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) could be worth considering. It is a global sleep health business with devices, masks, accessories, and software. I like that it has a recurring revenue element because patients often need replacement products over time.

Do not try to be perfect

One of the biggest mistakes beginners can make is waiting for the perfect entry point. The market rarely makes things obvious.

If prices fall, investors worry they will fall further. If prices rise, investors worry they have missed the opportunity.

That is why I recommend investing gradually. A beginner might invest a set amount each month or quarter. This reduces the pressure of trying to time the market and helps build the habit of investing.

Focus on quality and patience

The ASX will always have speculative shares promising huge upside.

Some will succeed, but many (or most) will disappoint.

For a beginner, I think quality should come first. That means strong brands, useful products, recurring revenue, healthy balance sheets, and management teams with a record of execution.

The returns may not be exciting every month. But over many years, owning better businesses can make a huge difference.

Foolish Takeaway

Starting in 2026 requires a first step and a plan that is easy to keep following.

I think beginners can do well by starting with understandable businesses, investing gradually, and giving compounding time to work.

There will be corrections, bad headlines, and moments when cash feels safer. That is part of the journey.

But the investors who keep buying quality through those periods give themselves a real chance of building wealth over time.

The post How to start investing in ASX shares in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares
• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now
• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Telstra and Woodside shares
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett and load up on cheap ASX shares

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 ResMed and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and 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.

June is almost here, and investors may be wondering where to put fresh money to work.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to make this simple.

With one trade, investors can gain exposure to a diversified group of companies, sectors, or investment styles without having to pick every individual winner.

For someone looking to invest $10,000, the three ASX ETFs below could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers exposure to some of Asia’s leading technology companies.

This is a region with enormous growth potential. Across Asia, consumers are using online platforms for shopping, payments, entertainment, cloud services, gaming, and communication. Many of these trends still have room to run as incomes rise and businesses continue investing in technology.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors a way to access this opportunity through a single ASX ETF. It comprises companies involved in areas such as ecommerce, semiconductors, online services, and digital platforms. This includes Tencent (SEHK: 700) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

This is not a low-risk option. Asian technology shares can be volatile, particularly when sentiment turns against growth assets or regulatory concerns weigh on the sector. Currency movements can also influence returns for Australian investors.

But for those comfortable with a more targeted growth exposure, this ASX ETF offers something different from the usual US-heavy technology ETFs. It provides access to a part of the global market that could remain an important source of innovation and digital growth over the next decade.

This fund was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

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

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering in June is the Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

It has been hit hard following weakness across the technology sector. That may make it attractive for investors who believe the selloff has created an opportunity to buy quality local tech exposure at lower levels.

The fund gives investors access to a basket of ASX technology stocks across areas such as software, payments, online marketplaces, digital infrastructure, and IT services. This includes WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

This can be useful because picking individual technology winners is not easy. Some companies will execute well and grow strongly. Others may struggle with margins, competition, or changing market conditions. The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF spreads that risk across a group of local tech names.

For investors willing to ride out volatility, this ETF offers a simple way to back the long-term digitisation of the Australian economy. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

Finally, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF takes a very different approach.

Rather than focusing on one sector or region, it invests in international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages such as Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Dassault Systemes (FRA: DSY).

These advantages can include strong brands, cost leadership, network effects, valuable intellectual property, or high switching costs. In simple terms, the fund looks for businesses that may be difficult for competitors to attack.

This quality focus could make this ASX ETF a useful option for investors who want global exposure but do not want to rely purely on market-cap weighting.

The ETF also adds a valuation discipline by targeting companies that appear attractively priced relative to fair value estimates. That combination of quality and valuation could be valuable in uncertain markets.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX ETFs to target this month that focus on undervalued sectors
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• The top 3 Betashares ASX ETFs over the past year
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Baidu, Dassault Systèmes Se, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dassault Systèmes Se and VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a confident return to trading after the weekend this Monday. After a shaky week last week, investors seemed to come back refreshed.

After an early wobble this morning, the market found its footing and spent most of the session in positive territory. By the time the markets wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had advanced 0.4% and finished at a flat 8,692 points.

This happy start to the Australian trading week came after a similarly upbeat end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared well, managing a 0.58% gain and resetting its record high.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) charted a similar trajectory, rising 0.19%.

But let’s get back to this week and our local markets now and check out what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 hits 2-week high as miners lead the charge
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• Charter Hall lifts FY26 guidance as capital inflows surge

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

There are countless ASX shares out there to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells this week? Let’s find out:

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

The team at Shaw and Partners is bullish on this investment management company and has named it as a buy this week.

The broker likes the L1 Long Short Fund due to its highly regarded investment team and strong track record. It also highlights that it could be a good option for investors looking for a combination of growth and income. The broker explains:

LSF offers exposure to global growth opportunities through a highly regarded investment team with a strong long term track record. Management has meaningful personal investment in the fund, aligning interests with investors. The portfolio blends long and short positions, aiming to generate returns across all market cycles. Recent performance has been supported by global equity exposure. The fund also offers a solid income stream, making it an attractive option for growth and income in a diversified portfolio.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

Shaw and Partners is sitting on the fence when it comes to this wholesale distributor. It has named Metcash shares as a hold this week.

While the broker acknowledges that Metcash is a quality defensive business, it isn’t enough for a more positive rating right now. It said:

Metcash remains a quality defensive business with diverse earnings across food, liquor and hardware. Its strong customer network provides consistent cash flow and resilience during economic uncertainty. Recent updates show stable margins despite increasing cost pressures, and the company continues to generate an attractive dividend yield. While growth is modest, its defensive characteristics and reliable income stream support a hold position. It remains well positioned to benefit from steady consumer demand.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Over at Investor Pulse, its team has named Wesfarmers shares as a hold this week.

It thinks that it is worth holding onto the Bunnings owner even in the current economic environment. This is due to the resilient earnings that its market-leading businesses generate. Investor Pulse explains:

Wesfarmers is a diversified industrial conglomerate. It owns market leading businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks, generating resilient earnings, even in softer economic conditions. We believe it makes sense to hold Wesfarmers given it generated net profit after tax of $1.603 billion in the first half of 2026, up 9.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Revenue of $24.2 billion was up 3.1 per cent. Bunnings and Kmart continued delivering strong sales growth. The group also lifted its fully franked interim dividend by 7.4 per cent to $1.02 a share, highlighting confidence in cash generation and balance sheet strength.

The post Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• $1,000 buys 238 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX dividend stock
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• ASX 200 consumer staples shares outperformed again last week
• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. 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.

Knowing which ASX shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing which ones to own when you are seeking to outperform the market.

After all, if you own shares that are likely to fall in value, your portfolio returns will be dragged down along with them.

So, with that in mind, let’s look at three ASX shares that analysts have named as sells this week, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are bearish on:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

This struggling auto parts retailer has been named as a sell by Investor Pulse.

Given the tough trading conditions that Bapcor is facing, it thinks investors should be focusing on other opportunities. It said:

Bapcor is an aftermarket automotive parts provider in Australia and New Zealand. It operates the Autobarn, Burson and Autopro brands. It reported improving sales from turnaround activities between February and April 2026. However, trading conditions had materially deteriorated since late March 2026 in response to the Middle East conflict and an increase in interest rates. It has reduced fiscal year 2026 earnings guidance on what it provided on February 26, 2026. The company also flagged higher operating costs. The share price remains under pressure. The stock has fallen from $5.22 on July 14, 2025 to trade at 38 cents on May 21, 2026. Better options exist elsewhere, in our view.

 Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Shaw and Partners is bearish on Telstra shares and has named them as a sell this week.

The broker believes its shares are expensive at current levels, especially given its limited growth potential and narrowing dividend yield. It explains:

Telstra is currently trading at elevated levels, in our view, with its defensive appeal pushing the share price higher. However, underlying growth remains limited, and the dividend yield is becoming less attractive as the share price rises. Recent updates show steady but low growth across its core business segments, according to our analysis. Valuations are now stretched and the risk-reward balance is less compelling. The shares have risen from $3.89 on February 10, 2025 to trade at $5.45 on May 21, 2026. We would be inclined to take a profit at these levels.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Another ASX share that Shaw and Partners is bearish on this week is energy giant Woodside.

After strong gains were recorded by Woodside shares, the broker thinks investors should be locking in profits and moving onto other opportunities. It said:

Woodside has benefited from elevated oil and gas prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, in our view, the share price strength appears largely macro driven rather than based on underlying company improvements. Given Middle East tensions are expected to ease over time, energy prices could soften and reduce earnings support. The stock now appears fully valued. In response to share price gains, it makes sense to lock in profits and re-allocate the proceeds to opportunities with stronger growth outlooks.

The post Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• Why Arafura Rare Earths, Dalrymple Bay, Tuas, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Telstra and Woodside shares
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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 Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares have delivered a strong return for long-term investors over the past decade.

That may surprise some people.

Airlines are not usually thought of as easy buy-and-hold investments. They are exposed to fuel prices, labour costs, competition, aircraft availability, economic conditions, and travel demand.

Qantas also had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted global aviation and forced airlines into survival mode.

But investors who bought a decade ago and held on have been well rewarded.

The share price return

In May 2016, Qantas shares were trading at around $3.25. This means that a $1,000 investment would have bought approximately 308 Qantas shares.

Today, the company’s shares are priced at $9.10.

This means those 308 shares would now be worth approximately $2,803

It means the value of the shares alone has increased by close to 180% over the past decade.

That is despite Qantas going through one of the most difficult operating periods in its modern history in 2020. Border closures, grounded aircraft, weak international travel, and pandemic uncertainty all weighed heavily on the airline sector.

Many companies would have struggled to recover from that kind of shock.

Qantas did not just survive. It eventually returned to profitability, resumed dividends, and continued returning capital to shareholders.

Dividends made a difference

The capital growth is only part of the story.

According to CommSec, Qantas paid several dividends over the period, although payments were interrupted for a number of years around the pandemic.

Since the final dividend paid in 2016, Qantas has paid total dividends of $1.356 per share.

For an investor holding 308 shares, that would add approximately $418 in cash dividends.

That figure excludes the value of franking credits. It also assumes the investor took the dividends in cash rather than reinvesting them.

When the current share value and dividends are added together, the original $1,000 investment would now be worth approximately $3,220.

That is a very strong result for a cyclical airline stock.

Share buybacks helped too

Another factor worth noting is Qantas’ use of share buybacks.

Buybacks do not show up in the same way as dividends for an individual shareholder. Investors do not receive cash directly unless they participate in an off-market buyback.

But buybacks can still be important. By reducing the number of shares on issue, they can support earnings per share and potentially help the market place a higher value on the remaining shares. 

Qantas has undertaken several buybacks over the past decade, and this would have contributed to the overall shareholder return story.

Are Qantas shares still attractive?

I think Qantas remains an interesting ASX share today.

The airline has a strong position in Australian aviation, with Qantas and Jetstar giving it exposure across premium and lower-cost travel. Its loyalty business is also a valuable asset, and fleet renewal should support the customer experience and operating efficiency over time.

But I would still treat Qantas differently from a defensive blue-chip share.

Airline earnings can move quickly when fuel prices rise, competition increases, or demand softens. Investors need to be comfortable with that cyclicality.

Even so, the past decade shows what can happen when a business with a strong market position gets through a crisis and starts returning cash to shareholders again.

Foolish takeaway

A $1,000 investment in Qantas shares a decade ago would now be worth approximately $3,220, including cash dividends but excluding franking credits.

That is an impressive outcome.

Qantas shareholders had to sit through a very difficult period, including the pandemic disruption that hit airlines hard. But the combination of share price growth, dividends, and buybacks has produced a strong long-term return for those who stayed patient.

The post If you invested $1,000 in Qantas shares a decade ago, here’s what they would be worth now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Charter Hall, Coronado Global, Meeka Metals, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Qantas shares
• 2 top ASX 200 dividend stocks to help boost your superannuation income
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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 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.

When it comes to your retirement, it’s important to know how you’re going to fund your lifestyle. At that point, some of the first questions you’d probably ask are: When can I access my superannuation? And when am I eligible for the Age Pension?

In both cases, it’s mostly dependent on your age.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re entitled to, and when.

When can I access my superannuation?

There are two age brackets for accessing your super balance, and they depend on your working situation.

Once you reach your preservation age, you can access your superannuation if you have stopped working permanently.

For Australians born after the 1st of July 1964, this is age 60. It could be as early as age 55 if you’re born before the 1st of July 1960.

But you don’t have to retire if you don’t want to. If you continue working after age 60, you can continue to accrue superannuation, but you can’t access it until you reach age 65.

Once you reach age 65, you can gain automatic access regardless of whether you’re still working or not.

Once you’ve reached the appropriate milestone for your situation, you have two choices: you can access your superannuation as a lump sum, or you can set up an account-based pension and withdraw a regular amount. This means that the remaining balance is still invested and will continue to compound.

There are also exceptions to the two rules above.

Some Australians might be able to access their super earlier in times of financial hardship, on compassionate grounds due to a terminal medical condition or permanent incapacity, or if you’re a temporary resident leaving Australia with no plans to return.

When can I access the Age Pension?

The Age Pension is a fortnightly sum paid to Australians aged 67 years or older to help fund their retirement.

You can start receiving the Age Pension once you reach the qualifying age of 67 years. You’ll also need to meet eligibility requirements. 

That means, even if you can access your superannuation, it could still be a few more years before you can get the additional Age Pension payments.

The maximum fortnightly Age Pension payment is $1,100.30 for single Australians or older. Couples can get up to $829.40 per person per fortnight. 

The rates don’t include any additional potential supplement rates.

The amount you’ll receive can also vary depending on where you fall under the Age Pension assets and income tests. It is possible to receive a part-payment if your income and/or assets exceed the threshold, and the amount is generally calculated on a sliding scale.

The post At what age can I access my superannuation and the Age Pension? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.