There are not too many ASX dividend shares that are offering a dividend yield of more than 7% right now. There are a few ASX REITs, though, also called real estate investment trusts, that look like fantastic opportunities for passive income.

REITs can be resilient and stable for investors because of how they make their money. Long-term rental contracts with high-quality tenants that are reliably paying rent month after month. What’s not to like about that?

Well, it turns out the market is more negative on some REITs than it was several months ago. I think this makes it an excellent time to invest.

For example, the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) unit price has fallen by around 25% since mid-September 2025 (at the time of writing). After such a large fall, there are multiple reasons why this looks like a smart period of time to buy.

The distribution yield has soared

When a share price falls, the dividend yield goes up. That’s why bear markets can be a particularly good time to consider ASX dividend shares.

As I’ve mentioned, the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT has dropped approximately 25% over the last several months, boosting the distribution yield by a quarter.

The business has provided guidance multiple times during the 2026 financial year that it will increase its FY26 payout by 2% to 25.5 cents per unit.

At the time of writing, that translates into a forward distribution yield of 7.4%. I’m not sure if the FY27 payout will be larger than the FY26 payout, but the ASX REIT’s payout track record suggests to me that the distribution in the next financial year will be another good one.

The asset discount makes the unit price look cheap

One of the best reasons to like the ASX REIT is how cheaply it seems to be trading.

If someone wants to buy a $1 million residential property, they’ll need to pay $1 million (or slightly more to be the winner).

However, it’s quite common to see ASX REITs trade underneath their stated value.

Every six months, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT tells investors about its net tangible assets (NTA) – that’s the overall underlying value of the business, which includes the property values, loans, cash, and so on.

The ASX REIT reported a NTA per security of $4.68 at 31 December 2025 – it’s trading at a 26% discount at the time of writing. That looks too good to ignore.

Rental growth continues

Higher inflation and elevated interest rates are not ideal. For an ASX REIT, they are a headwind for interest costs and property values. But I’m not expecting elevated inflation and interest rates to last forever, particularly if they continue rising in 2026.

More importantly, the ASX REIT’s rental income continues to grow, which can offset some of the headwinds.

In the HY26 period, it reported 3% like-for-like net property income growth. Around half of its portfolio has contracted rental income growth that’s linked to inflation, which could see an acceleration of growth in the next year (or longer?).

In addition to that, the business has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years, which means its rental income is locked in for the long term.

The post A 7.4% yield but down 25%! Is it time for me to buy this ASX REIT to earn passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Charter Hall Long WALE REIT declares March 2026 distribution and DRP update
• A once-in-a-decade chance to earn a supersized passive income from ASX shares?
• 3 top ASX dividend share buys for passive income in March
• 2 ASX REITs I’d buy today for passive income
• Buy, hold, sell: Charter Hall Long WALE, ASX, Aussie Broadband shares

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.

Managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) comes with a different mindset compared to everyday investing.

The focus is often on building a portfolio that can grow steadily over time while remaining diversified across regions, sectors, and investment styles.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can play a key role here by providing broad exposure without adding unnecessary complexity.

With that in mind, here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for an SMSF.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could be used as a foundation is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund captures a broad slice of the US economy, but what makes it particularly useful in an SMSF is its ability to evolve over time. As industries rise and fall, the index naturally adjusts, meaning investors stay aligned with where economic value is being created.

It provides exposure to a mix of sectors, from healthcare to financials and technology, offering a balance between growth and stability within a single holding.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF that can complement this is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

Where the iShares S&P 500 ETF is focused on the US, this fund expands the opportunity set across developed markets globally, including Europe and Asia.

This broader exposure can help reduce reliance on any single economy and provides access to global leaders across multiple industries. For an SMSF, that added diversification can be particularly valuable over long investment horizons.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

For a different approach, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF focuses on competitive advantages.

Instead of simply tracking markets, it looks for companies with sustainable business models that can defend their profits over time. These are often businesses with strong brands, intellectual property, or structural cost advantages.

It also incorporates valuation into its process, meaning it seeks to invest in these companies when they are attractively priced. This adds a layer of discipline that can complement more traditional index exposure.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF offers exposure to a very different part of the market.

This ASX ETF focuses on companies that produce everyday essentials such as food, beverages, and household products. These businesses tend to generate consistent demand regardless of economic conditions.

For an SMSF, this can provide a more defensive element within a portfolio, helping to balance out more growth-oriented holdings.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

To round things out, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides access to some of the most innovative companies in the world.

This ASX ETF is heavily weighted towards sectors such as technology and communication services, offering exposure to businesses that are shaping the future of the global economy.

While it can be more volatile than broader market ETFs, it also offers the potential for stronger long-term growth, making it a useful addition for investors looking to boost returns within a diversified SMSF portfolio.

The post 5 ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 3 Betashares ETFs I’d buy and hold for 10 years
• If a 30-year-old invests $500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement
• 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, 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.

ASX 200 energy shares outperformed for a third consecutive week, rising 6.35%, as the war in Iran continued last week.

Fear and uncertainty weighed on the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) falling 2.19% to 8,428.4 points.

Energy shares have gained 16.21% while the ASX 200 has fallen 8.37% since Israel and the US attacked Iran on 28 February (US time).

Last week, the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted interest rates for a second time this year, mainly due to inflation trending higher.

However, the war and rising petrol prices were clearly a concern for the RBA board, which said:

… the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel prices, which, if sustained, will add to inflation.

Short-term measures of inflation expectations have already risen.

As a result, the Board judged that there is a material risk that inflation will remain above target for longer than previously anticipated.

The ASX 200 was volatile all week, while Brent crude ripped to almost US$120 per barrel after Israel and Iran bombed energy assets.

Over the past 30 days, the Brent crude oil price has skyrocketed 50% while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has risen 42%.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts said:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would refrain from additional attacks on Iranian energy facilities and that the war could end sooner than expected, noting Iran’s reduced capacity to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles.

Despite the pullback, Brent futures remain up almost 50% since the start of the conflict, as the disruption has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz and forced major regional producers to sharply curb output.

Seven of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the red.

Let’s review.

Energy shares rip 6% as war drags on

Several of the largest ASX 200 energy shares hit new multi-year highs last week.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price reached a two-and-a-half-year high of $34.31 on Friday.

Woodside shares rose 9.66% over the week to finish at $34.04.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price hit a 52-week high of $8.19 on Friday.

Over the week, Santos shares lifted 5.98% to close at $7.98 apiece.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price ascended to an 18-month high of $34.29 on Friday.

Ampol shares increased 7.33% over the week to close at $33.11.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price rose to a 52-week high of $2.64 on Friday.

Viva Energy shares ripped 10.28% over the week to close at $2.36 apiece.

ASX 200 coal shares also rose again last week, as disrupted gas supplies forced power plants to start using coal.

The thermal coal price has risen 25% over 30 days.

The thermal coal price was US$145.20 per tonne on Friday, its highest level since November 2024.

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price rose 3% to end the week at $8.31, a new 52-week high.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price lifted 6.73% to $5.71, after reaching a 52-week peak of $5.79 on Friday.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	6.35%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	3.25%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	2.09%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	0.23%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.5%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(1.51%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(2.25%)
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	(2.39%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(3.47%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(4.24%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	(7.09%)

The post ASX 200 energy shares lead the market for a third week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 rules for set-and-forget investing to fund your retirement goals
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• 3 ASX 200 stocks screaming higher in this week’s sinking market

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

It’s not often you get a cluster of quality ASX growth shares all trading near their lows at the same time.

But that’s exactly what the market has handed investors this week.

A number of well-known ASX growth names have fallen sharply, with each of the five below hitting 52-week lows or worse in recent sessions. While that can feel uncomfortable in the moment, it’s often where long-term opportunities start to appear.

Here are five I’d be happy to buy and hold from here.

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

Gentrack isn’t a household name, but it operates in a niche that is becoming increasingly important.

The technology company provides billing and customer management software to utilities and airports, both of which are undergoing significant digital transformation.

What I like here is the structural tailwind. Energy markets are becoming more complex, and utilities need better systems to manage customers, pricing, and data.

This ASX growth share has been building momentum in recent years, and while the share price has pulled back, the long-term demand for its software looks intact despite artificial intelligence (AI) disruption fears.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder sits at the heart of travel and technology.

Its platform helps hotels manage bookings across multiple channels, which is critical in an industry that relies heavily on online distribution.

The business has been growing strongly as global travel recovers and hotels continue shifting toward more automated, cloud-based systems.

Even after a sharp share price decline, the underlying story hasn’t changed in my view. If anything, the long-term opportunity remains tied to increasing digitisation across the accommodation sector.

It is also worth highlighting that management appears confident AI will support rather than disrupt its platform. In fact, it is working on an AI agent function to leverage the technology.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one of the highest-quality growth shares on the ASX.

It has a global leadership position in hearing implants, backed by decades of research, innovation, and a strong brand.

While the share price can be sensitive to short-term factors, the bigger picture is driven by demographics and healthcare demand. An ageing population and rising awareness of hearing solutions continue to support long-term growth.

For me, this is the type of business where short-term weakness can create long-term opportunity.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster has had a volatile journey, but its long-term potential remains compelling.

It operates as an online furniture and homewares retailer, benefiting from the ongoing shift toward ecommerce in categories that were traditionally dominated by physical stores.

The business has been investing in its platform, logistics, and customer experience, which should help it capture more market share over time.

With the share price down heavily, I think the market may be underestimating how large the online opportunity could become in this space.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Lastly, Aristocrat is a global gaming and entertainment company with a strong track record.

Its core land-based gaming business generates solid cash flow, while its digital segment provides an additional growth engine.

What stands out is its ability to consistently develop successful game content, which supports both revenue and margins.

Despite its quality, the share price has come under pressure recently along with broader market weakness. For long-term investors, that could be a chance to pick up a high-quality business at a more attractive valuation.

Foolish takeaway

Gentrack, SiteMinder, Cochlear, Temple & Webster, and Aristocrat all have different drivers, but each offers exposure to long-term growth trends.

After their recent pullbacks, I think they’re worth serious consideration for investors willing to take a longer-term view.

The post 5 great value ASX growth shares I’d buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• 4 top ASX share picks to buy
• CSL and these ASX 200 stocks just hit 52-week lows: Should you buy the dip?
• 2 top ASX shares I’d buy right now in this March madness
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy and hold until 2036

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 Cochlear, Gentrack Group, SiteMinder, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Gentrack Group and SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear 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.

Are you looking for some ASX 200 shares to buy with major upside potential? If so, it could be worth checking out the two shares in this article.

Here’s what it is recommending to clients:

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

This quick service restaurant operator could be an ASX 200 share to buy according to the broker.

Although it concedes that its global expansion has been disappointing, the broker believes that it will get it right in time.

In light of this, Morgans recently put a buy rating and $24.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $16.93, this suggests a 42% return is possible between now and this time next year. It commented:

If it was just about Australia, GYG would be doing just fine right now. In its home market, it continues to outperform the broader QSR industry both in terms of comp sales and network expansion. Australian earnings were up strongly in 1H26, much as we had expected. But it’s not just about Australia. GYG came to market with a strategy for global expansion that was breathtakingly ambitious. The first big opportunity was the US. Unfortunately, the pace of network expansion in the US so far has been pedestrian and the restaurants it has opened have lost more money than expected.

It was a further step-up in US losses that disappointed investors most today and caused group EBITDA to fall 7% short of our forecast. We do believe global growth will click into gear at some point to complement a very healthy Australian business. We maintain a BUY rating, though our revised 12-month target sees the share price recovering to $24.00 rather than the $32.30 we had before. GYG has a bit to prove, but we can be certain it is going to give it all it’s got to ultimately realise its growth ambitions.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

Morgans is bullish on this gold miner and sees it as an ASX 200 share to buy now.

The broker was pleased with its performance during the first half and is optimistic on the future. This is partly due to the Dalgaranga operation.

Morgans has a buy rating and $5.75 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $3.49, this implies potential upside of 64% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on the gold miner, the broker said:

1H26 result was solid with no material surprises, FY26 continues to focus on the integration of Dalgaranga (acquired via ASX SPR) into the RMS asset portfolio. Key positive: Introduction of new capital management framework and the spartan deal; A$84.9m (net) tax losses remain. Key negative: Operating cash flow (-3% pcp), free cash flow (-15% pcp) and cash/bullion on hand (-14% pcp) reflect the anticipated grade decline across the RMS Magnet Hub assets.

This was well flagged and should begin to reverse as Dalgaranga ore is introduced into the Magnet operations and ramps through the system, marking the transition to the next phase of higher-grade feed – we forecast Dalgaranga alone to contribute +A$700m per annum from FY28 onwards. We maintain our BUY rating, price target A$5.75ps (previously A$5.76).

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 40% to 60% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star and Newmont down so much today?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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.

A good retirement portfolio should feel steady.

Not exciting, not unpredictable, just quietly doing its job year after year.

That usually comes down to owning businesses with strong positions in their industries and a clear path to maintaining cash flow to shareholders.

Here are three blue-chip ASX shares I think fit that brief right now.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour hasn’t had the smoothest run lately, but that’s part of what makes it interesting.

The business is in the middle of a reset. Management is sharpening its focus on price leadership, simplifying operations, and investing more heavily in its hotel network and core retail brands.

There are already signs that this is gaining traction. Retail momentum has been improving, with customers responding to better pricing, while the hotels division continues to perform well with steady growth.

For income investors, the appeal here is that Endeavour still owns a large portfolio of well-known assets (Dan Murphy’s and BWS) and generates significant cash flow. If this reset delivers, it could support more reliable and potentially growing dividends over time.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is a blue-chip ASX share that rarely stands still for long.

After a more challenging period, the company appears to be getting back on track, leaning on its scale, supply chain strength, and dominant supermarket position.

That matters because grocery spending is one of the most consistent parts of the economy. It gives Woolworths a dependable earnings base, which has historically translated into regular dividends.

What stands out to me is that even when conditions get tougher, Woolworths has the ability to adjust, whether that’s through pricing, efficiency improvements, or refining its offering.

For a retirement portfolio, that adaptability can be just as important as the dividend itself.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra’s story today is very different from what it was a few years ago.

The company is now firmly focused on its long-term strategy, known as Connected Future 30, which is centred around expanding connectivity, improving efficiency, and driving sustainable growth.

It’s already making progress. The business is growing earnings, controlling costs, and generating strong cash flow, all of which support its ability to pay and potentially grow dividends.

Telstra also benefits from operating essential infrastructure. Its network underpins a large portion of Australia’s digital economy, providing a level of stability that many other businesses simply don’t have.

For income investors, that combination of strategy, scale, and cash generation is hard to ignore.

Foolish Takeaway

Endeavour, Woolworths, and Telstra are all at slightly different points in their journey.

Endeavour is resetting, Woolworths is regaining momentum, and Telstra is executing on a long-term strategy.

But they all share something important. They are large, established businesses with the capacity to generate consistent cash flow and return it to shareholders.

For anyone looking to boost their retirement income, I think these are the types of blue-chip ASX shares that are worth serious consideration.

The post 3 blue-chip ASX shares to boost your retirement income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 dependable ASX shares to add to a superannuation fund in 2026
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• 3 reasons to buy Telstra shares today

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 Telstra 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.

Investing in (ASX) shares could be the ticket to building more investment cash flow than what the Age Pension can provide. We could build a portfolio capable of delivering that wealth for just the price of a daily coffee.

Currently, a good coffee could cost around $7 per cup in one of Australia’s major cities, which translates into $49 per week and approximately $2,550 per year.

That doesn’t sound like a lot compared to the current Age Pension of $1,100.30 per fortnight, or $28,600 annually, for a single person.

But, compounding is a great ally to assist with wealth building. Compounding can help a small number grow into a much larger figure over time as interest earns interest.

The power of a coffee and compounding

The numbers I’m about to outline are based on what daily coffee typically would cost, but it doesn’t need to be a coffee exactly, it could be another relatively small expense that is replaced. Or even just what can happen when someone regularly invests a limited amount each year. I’ll base the number on someone who’s currently 30 years old, with 40 years to retirement. Someone older may have less time to retirement, but more financial capability to invest bigger sums each year.

Simply putting $2,550 each year under the mattress would mean $102,000 after 40 years. That wouldn’t be enough to outperform the Age Pension. Stashing money under the mattress would not mean any protection from inflation over those years.

If someone earned 4% interest during those years from a bank acount, the $102,000 would actually grow into $242,315. With a 4% interest rate, that would generate $9,692.6 of annual interest, which still doesn’t match the current income from the Age Pension.

If we choose great (ASX) share investments, that could lead to very strong wealth creation.

For example, up until February 2026, the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) had returned an average of 15.3% per year since its inception in October 2014.

If our daily coffee figure achieved that same return over the next 40 years – remembering that past performance is not a guarantee of future performance – then it would grow into $4.94 million. That’s how powerful compounding is.

Withdrawing 4% per year from that balance would mean annual cash flow of $197,523. In my view, that’s likely to be (far) more than what the Age Pension will be in 40 years from now.

I’d invest more than that

Of course, we don’t know how shares will perform over the next 40 years, and it’s also hard to say what inflation will do to the value of a dollar.

So, I think it’d be a wise idea to invest more than $2,500 per year into shares, if a household’s finances allow.

I’m currently building my non-super share portfolio to provide a mixture of both capital growth and dividend income, with the dividends adding to my regular income from names like Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL). I like that strategy to help both my shorter-term and long-term finances.

The post You can aim to beat the Age Pension for the price of a daily coffee! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Don’t want to rely on your wage? Build a second income with these ASX shares
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• Why these ASX shares could be buys in today’s volatile market
• 3 ASX ETFs for beginners starting with $5,000
• Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in VanEck Msci International Quality ETF and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For retirees, or those approaching retirement, it’s probably fair to say that the most important aspect that a potential superannuation fund investment can have is dependability. After all, retirement means giving up one’s primary source of income. Whilst hanging up the proverbial boots can be a blessing, the loss of this primary source of income also removes a cushion from one’s investing portfolio. There is simply less room for errors and mistakes. That’s why finding dependable, reliable ASX shares is so important.

With 2026 already looking like an exceptionally volatile year for investors, today, let’s go through three ASX shares that I think offer the dependability and reliability that a superannuation fund requires.

Three dependable ASX shares perfect for a superannuation fund in 2026

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

First up, we have ASX 200 telco Telstra, the leading provider of telecommunication services in Australia, which enjoys a clear market lead in both fixed-line and mobile services. In our modern world, internet and mobile connectively is a necessity, not a luxury. If economic times get tough, Australians will cut down on a lot before touching their mobile or internet services.

That makes Telstra a highly defensive stock, and one perfect for a superannuation portfolio. Telstra also offers a long and distinguished history as a reliable payer of fat dividends too.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Next up, we have supermarket stock, Coles, the second-largest grocery store chain in the country, which also operates the Liquorland chain of bottle shops. Coles is a consumer staples stock, meaning it sells products that we tend to need to buy. In this case, that’s food, drinks, and household essentials. Like Telstra, this makes Coles a highly defensive stock, and a great long-term superannuation investment in my view.

Yes, Coles is in the firing line when it comes to potentially higher energy prices going forward. Saying that, the company’s nature means it can pass on much of these costs to its customers. Coles is also a reliable funder of hefty dividends, which usually come fully franked too.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Our final stock, perfect for a superannuation fund, is industrial and retailing conglomerate Wesfarmers. I like Wesfarmers for its inherent diversity when it comes to earnings. This company is best known for its top-tier retailers, including Bunnings, Kmart, and OfficeWorks. But it also has extensive operations in a number of other sectors. These span from mining and energy to healthcare and industrial safety equipment.

Wesfarmers is another proven performer, with decades of delivering reliable growth and franked dividends for shareholders under its belt. I would be more than comfortable adding this ASX stock to my superannuation fund.

The post 3 dependable ASX shares to add to a superannuation fund in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build $100,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• 3 reasons to buy Telstra shares today

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

A direct stock set-and-forget portfolio can create a fantastic passive income stream as part of your retirement strategy. You aren’t looking for aggressive outperformance compared to the market, just solid returns and strong dividends to create a relatively passive portfolio.

Here are my six rules to select set-and-forget investments.

1. How will this business win?

The first question you should ask yourself about any potential investment is why can this business win? It’s not about why it’s popular or what’s trending now, it’s about how it can keep competitors at bay over the long run.

Look for what is driving its defensive moat, such as:

• Scale/cost advantage
• Regulatory barriers
• Network effects
• High switching costs
• Brand strength

If you don’t understand how it can win, you can’t have true conviction that it will. Knowing how a company protects its profits is a must as quality set-and-forget investing is built on companies that have a strong line of defence.

2. Do I understand what I’m investing in?

Another simple filter is to ask yourself whether you understand how the company makes money. Observing the products and services you use in real life can help in investment decisions as you understand the customer and can explain the value proposition. Understanding where a company’s money comes from – and is likely to continue coming from – is key to set-and-forget investing.

3. Can I see a growth runway?

Set-and-forget investing is less about what’s happening today and more about what’s going to happen. So, ask yourself how will the company continue to grow? You want companies with a credible pathway to expand earnings and adapt as the industry evolves.

If growth relies on a single project, commodity price or regulatory outcome, it’s too narrow for a set-and-forget portfolio. 

4. What will happen if things go wrong?

Of course, you don’t have a crystal ball, so you can never entirely answer this one. What you can do, however, is look for companies with solid cash holdings and low debt or a history of using debt to successfully grow the business as they are in the best position to weather changing circumstances.

A strong balance sheet is critical to dividend sustainability and optionality when external shocks and unexpected challenges arise. For me, companies that generate predictable cash flows, can fund growth internally and don’t rely on regular capital raisings are non-negotiable in set-and-forget investing.

5. Does management have ‘skin in the game’?

Much like I don’t like the idea of flying in a plane with a remote pilot, I feel the same way about investing in a company when management hasn’t invested. If they don’t believe in the outcomes enough to invest, why should I?

When management is invested, I think incentives are more aligned, decision making improves and long-term thinking is more likely, because people behave differently when their own money is on the line.

6. Am I paying a fair price relative to the opportunity?

Valuation matters, of course. But conviction matters more in set-and-forget investing, in my view. A quality business can justify a higher multiple if it offers a solid defensive moat, robust cash flows, visible growth and a strong runway. That said, this comes with a disclaimer. Nothing is a buy at any price. Growth can only cover valuation sins to a point.

But in this type of investing, I care less about squeezing the last 5% of upside and more about investing in quality businesses and avoiding long-term mistakes.  

The bottom line

Of course, a direct stock portfolio will never be truly set-and-forget as you’ll need to review your investments periodically to make sure they still fit your criteria. But investing in quality businesses with good defensive moats, strong cash flows and good dividends can create a relatively passive portfolio – as long as you set and stick to a well-considered investment framework.

The post 6 rules for set-and-forget investing to fund your retirement goals appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 have $1,000 ready to invest, it can still go a long way in building a high-quality portfolio.

But where should you put it next week?

Here are three ASX shares that could be best buys right now according to analysts:

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The first ASX share that could be a strong option for a $1,000 investment is NextDC.

It operates data centres that provide the infrastructure required for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise workloads. As more businesses shift their operations online and invest in AI capabilities, demand for high-performance data centres continues to grow.

NextDC has been expanding its footprint across Australia and the Asia-Pacific and has built relationships with major cloud providers. It also has a significant pipeline of contracted capacity that is expected to convert into revenue over the coming years.

With demand for digital infrastructure increasing, the company appears well placed to benefit from long-term growth in data usage and AI adoption.

Morgans thinks its shares are undervalued. It currently has a buy rating and $20.50 price target on them.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is Pro Medicus.

This healthcare technology company develops imaging software used by hospitals and radiologists. Its Visage platform allows clinicians to view and analyse medical scans quickly and efficiently.

What sets Pro Medicus apart is its capital-light model and strong margins. The company continues to win large contracts with major healthcare providers, which supports its long-term earnings growth outlook.

As medical imaging volumes increase and healthcare systems adopt more advanced digital tools, Pro Medicus could continue expanding its global footprint. This is especially the case given critical radiologist shortages.

Bell Potter is bullish on the investment opportunity here. It has a buy rating and $240.00 price target on its shares.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A final ASX share to consider for the $1,000 investment is Xero.

It provides cloud-based accounting software to small and medium-sized businesses. Xero’s platform helps users manage invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting, making it an essential tool for many businesses.

Xero benefits from a subscription-based model, which generates recurring revenue and supports long-term growth. It also has significant opportunities to expand internationally and increase revenue per user through additional features and services following recent acquisitions.

With digital adoption continuing across small businesses, Xero could remain a key player in the global accounting software market.

UBS is a big fan of the company and recently put a buy rating and $174.00 price target on its shares.

The post The best ASX shares to invest $1,000 in right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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