Investing does not always mean chasing the fastest-moving stocks on the market.

For many investors, a more sensible approach is to focus on long-term themes, structural advantages, and businesses that can steadily expand earnings over many years.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this easier by offering diversified exposure to these ideas without relying on a single company getting everything right.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could appeal to Aussie investors looking beyond February and into the years ahead.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares India Quality ETF.

India’s investment case is often discussed in terms of population size, but what makes the opportunity compelling is the combination of domestic demand growth and improving corporate quality. This fund focuses on Indian companies that exhibit strong balance sheets, consistent profitability, and sustainable earnings.

The Betashares India Quality ETF holds businesses such as HDFC Bank (NSEI: HDFCBANK), Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and ICICI Bank (NSEI: ICICIBANK), companies that benefit from rising financial penetration, digital adoption, and expanding consumer spending.

Rather than relying on export-driven growth, many of these businesses are tied directly to India’s internal economic development, which gives the ETF a different growth profile to developed-market equities. Betashares recently recommended the fund to clients.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Another ASX ETF that suits growth investors is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.

It applies a quality filter to the Australian share market, favouring companies with strong returns on equity, low debt levels, and reliable earnings. This leads to a portfolio that looks very different from the traditional index.

Holdings include businesses such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), and REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), companies that have been able to reinvest profitably over long periods.

Instead of betting on rapid expansion, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF targets businesses that compound steadily by maintaining high margins and disciplined capital allocation. Over time, that consistency can translate into attractive long-term returns. This fund was recently recommended by the fund manager.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A final ASX ETF to consider for growth is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This fund invests in US companies that possess sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats. These advantages can come from brand strength, switching costs, network effects, or intellectual property. Legendary investor Warren Buffett is known to seek these qualities when making investments, so this fund could be an easy way to invest like the Oracle of Omaha.

The ETF includes stocks such as Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), and Danaher (NYSE: DHR). While these may not always be the fastest-growing stocks in any given year, their ability to defend market share often allows them to grow earnings through multiple economic cycles.

The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in February and beyond appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs this month
• The top Australian ETFs I would buy this week
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in February with $3,000
• Why I would buy and hold these VanEck ETFs for a decade or more
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for Australian investors to buy now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Goodman Group, REA Group, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, CSL, Danaher, Goodman Group, and United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended HDFC Bank and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, CSL, Goodman Group, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I were putting $50,000 to work today with the aim of outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in 2026, I’d be looking for a mix of rebound potential, operational momentum, and businesses that are quietly executing better than the share price suggests.

These five ASX 200 shares stand out to me right now for different reasons. They’re not perfect, and they won’t all move in a straight line, but I think the combined risk-reward stacks up well.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL feels like a classic rebound candidate after a frustrating period.

The business went through a tough stretch in 2025, with a combination of weaker influenza vaccine conditions in the US, softer albumin demand in China, and slower-than-expected margin recovery in its Behring division. Add in lingering disappointment around past pipeline setbacks, and sentiment clearly swung too far the wrong way.

What interests me now is that much of this negativity is already reflected in the share price. CSL remains a global leader in plasma-derived therapies, with structural demand drivers that haven’t gone away. If operating conditions normalise even modestly, earnings momentum could surprise on the upside in 2026.

This isn’t about a return to perfection. It’s about a high-quality business getting back to something closer to its long-term trajectory.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed continues to do what great companies do. It executes.

As we saw last week when the ASX 200 share released its second-quarter results, demand for sleep apnoea treatment remains strong, and margins are improving. The business has also navigated competitive noise without losing momentum, which tells me its underlying position is stronger than headlines sometimes imply.

What I like most is consistency. ResMed doesn’t rely on a single catalyst or one-off event. Growth comes from a combination of expanding patient numbers, higher device penetration, and recurring mask sales.

If I’m trying to beat the market, I want at least one stock that simply keeps compounding while others are more volatile. ResMed fits that role well.

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

HUB24 is a business benefiting from a structural shift rather than a cyclical one.

As financial advice becomes more complex and regulated, advisers are gravitating toward platforms that offer flexibility, functionality, and efficiency. HUB24 continues to capture that flow, not through aggressive pricing, but by building a platform advisers genuinely want to use.

What stands out to me is operating leverage. As funds under administration grow, revenue scales faster than costs, which drives strong earnings growth. That dynamic is powerful when markets are supportive and still holds up reasonably well when conditions soften.

For 2026, I think HUB24 has a strong chance of outperforming the market if it continues to deliver on its growth targets.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip is a very different type of opportunity. The ASX 200 share has made real progress operationally, improving margins, tightening credit performance, and moving firmly into profitability. Yet the share price remains well below prior highs, largely due to lingering scepticism toward the BNPL sector as a whole.

That disconnect is what makes Zip interesting to me. It’s no longer a growth-at-any-cost story, but the market hasn’t fully adjusted to that reality yet. If execution continues and earnings scale as expected, I think the valuation gap could close meaningfully.

This is higher risk than the other names, but it also offers higher upside if things play out well.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas earns its place here because of how strong the underlying business has become.

The airline has emerged from its restructuring period with a leaner cost base, a more disciplined approach to capacity, and improved fleet efficiency. Demand remains solid, and cash generation has been impressive.

What I find compelling is that Qantas is no longer relying purely on a travel rebound. Loyalty, freight, and operational improvements are all contributing to earnings resilience.

If conditions remain even halfway reasonable, I think Qantas has a genuine chance to outperform expectations again in 2026.

Foolish Takeaway

If my goal were to beat the market in 2026, I’d want exposure to different types of upside. A high-quality rebound in CSL, consistent compounders like ResMed and HUB24, a higher-risk turnaround in Zip, and a cash-generative cyclical leader in Qantas.

I wouldn’t expect all five to shine at the same time. But together, they give me multiple ways to win, which is exactly what I’d be aiming for when investing a meaningful sum with an eye on outperformance.

The post I would invest $50,000 in these ASX 200 shares if I were aiming to beat the market in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Pinnacle, and Telix shares
• How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares?
• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• Ord Minnett has a ‘strongly positive view’ on this ASX 200 star

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

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is extremely unlikely to more than double in 2026, but rising ASX energy stock Omega Oil & Gas Ltd (ASX: OMA) is forecast to do just that.

That’s according to the team at Canaccord Genuity.

Omega shares closed on Friday trading for 41.5 cents apiece.

This sees the Omega share price up 9% over 12 months.

The small-cap ASX energy stock struggled in the first months of 2025, before hitting one-year lows of 20 cents a share on 19 May. As of Friday’s close, the Omega share price had surged 108% from those lows.

And looking to the year ahead, the analysts at Canaccord believe Omega shares can more than double investors’ money again.

Here’s why.

ASX energy stock in the sweet spot

Omega Oil & Gas released its December quarterly results on 29 January.

The ASX energy stock closed up 2.2% on the day after reporting the completion of its $14.6 million investment to acquire a 19.4% interest in Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX: EXR).

Looking to the year ahead, Omega noted that it will undertake “substantial 2026 drilling campaigns” across the Taroom Trough in Queensland, noting Taroom is “highly prospective for both gas and liquids”.

Commenting on the company’s plans in the Taroom Trough, Omega CEO Trevor Brown said:

The completion of our investment in Elixir Energy represents a strategically compelling step for Omega.

It strengthens our position across the Taroom Trough, enhances our influence in a basin which we believe is on the cusp of significant value creation, and supports Omega becoming the industry partner of choice in the region.

The team at Canaccord agree this is a positive development for the ASX energy stock.

The broker noted that the government’s 2025 Gas Market Review highlighted that the East Coast gas market could potentially face shortfalls by 2029.

“Longstanding gas fields are rapidly depleting, and new supply projects are not coming online quickly enough to offset the decline,” Canaccord said.

As for the growing importance of the Taroom Trough, Canaccord noted, “The Taroom Trough will see elevated activity levels in 2026 as Elixir, Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL) and Omega all conduct material drill programs.”

The broker added:

With the Federal government set to develop an East Coast domestic gas reservation scheme (in consultation with industry and trade partners) LNG exporters should be seeking to shore up their domestic gas credentials, a clear positive for the Taroom Trough in our view.

With a material footprint on both the Eastern and Western flanks of the Trough, we believe OMA is set to be a dominant proponent in this play.

Connecting the dots, Canaccord retained its speculative buy rating on the ASX energy stock with an 85-cent per share price target.

That’s more than 104% above Omega’s closing price on Friday.

The post Why this buy-rated ASX energy share is tipped to more than double in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I would invest $50,000 in these ASX 200 shares if I were aiming to beat the market in 2026
• 3 most popular ASX ETFs focused on Aussie shares
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Pinnacle, and Telix shares
• How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares?
• Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 45 in 2026

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.

For investors who want broad exposure to Australian shares without picking individual stocks, ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become the go-to solution.

Among the most widely held are three familiar tickers: Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS), BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200), and iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ).

They look similar on the surface, but each has a slightly different focus and appeal depending on what kind of investor you are.

VAS: The broad, all-rounder

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF is often the first ETF investors encounter — and for good reason. It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving exposure to around 300 of the largest Australian-listed companies. That makes it the most diversified of the three.

The ASX ETF is heavily weighted toward financials and resources. It has big positions in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC). Because it reaches beyond the top 200 stocks, VAS also includes a meaningful slice of mid-caps. They can add a touch of growth over the long term.

VAS is attractive to investors who want a true “own the market” approach. It’s often used as a core holding, particularly for long-term and income-focused portfolios. It pays regular dividends largely funded by bank and mining dividends.

A200: Low cost, big names

BetaShares Australia 200 has surged in popularity thanks to one key differentiator: cost. The ASX ETF tracks the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), like iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF, but with one of the lowest management fees available in Australia.

The fund focuses on the country’s 200 largest companies. That means it’s slightly more concentrated than VAS and excludes smaller mid-cap names. Its largest holdings overlap heavily with VAS. Think Commonwealth Bank, BHP, CSL, ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), but without the long tail of smaller stocks.

A200 appeals to cost-conscious investors who believe fees matter over the long run. If your goal is simple, low-cost exposure to Australia’s biggest and most liquid companies, this ASX ETF is hard to ignore.

IOZ: The established core option

This ASX ETF is one of the longest-standing Australian equity ETFs and also tracks the ASX 200. iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF sits somewhere between VAS and A200 in terms of approach. It offers broad large-cap exposure with a competitive – though not the lowest – fee.

Like A200, IOZ is dominated by banks, miners, and healthcare giants. Investors get exposure to Australia’s dividend-heavy blue chips. That makes it popular with income seekers and SMSFs looking for simplicity and reliability.

IOZ’s appeal lies in its track record and issuer reputation. It’s often chosen by investors who want a no-frills, set-and-forget ETF from a well-established provider.

Foolish Takeaway

VAS suits investors wanting the broadest exposure to the Australian market. A200 is ideal for those focused on minimising fees while sticking to large caps.

The third ASX ETF, IOZ, offers a proven, straightforward way to access Australia’s biggest companies. None are better in isolation. The right choice depends on whether you value diversification, cost, or simplicity most.

The post 3 most popular ASX ETFs focused on Aussie shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares?
• What’s the likelihood of a stock market crash before the end of 2026?
• This ASX ETF might be the only one you’ll ever need
• 10 most popular ASX ETFs on the market today
• VAS and IVV: 3 reasons these two ASX ETFs belong in a long-term portfolio

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

The three ASX shares in this article are popular options for investors. But are they buys, holds, or sells?

Let’s see what analysts are saying about them right now:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The team at Morgans thinks that this biotech giant’s shares are undervalued at current levels. The broker has a buy rating and $249.51 price target on them.

Morgans thinks the current valuation of CSL shares is unjustified and is urging investors to take advantage of the weakness. It said:

Despite the majority of the business “tracking to plan”, FY26 cc guidance had been downgraded (2-3% at revenue and NPATA mid-points), mainly reflecting continued declines in US influenza vaccination rates, although Chinese government cost containment affecting albumin demand was also flagged. While management is confident it can limit the impact of the latter to 1HFY26 via mitigation measures, ongoing uncertainty in the US influenza vaccine market has seen FY27-28 NPATA growth expectations moderate (to HSD from DD) and delay the demerger of Seqirus (prior FY26).

Although it remains challenging to know when US influenza vaccination rates will stabilise, we believe the risk of a permanently lower base is being over-priced, with Seqirus and Vifor marked down, with even Behring trading below peers and well under its long-term average, which we see as unjustified.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

This investment company’s shares have fallen heavily this month and Morgans thinks investors should be buying the dip. It has upgraded Pinnacle’s shares to a buy rating with a $23.21 price target.

Morgans thinks the company’s first-half result was stronger than the market reaction implies. It said:

PNI’s 1H26 NPAT (~A$67m, -11% on the pcp) came in -4% below consensus, but it was more in line excluding one-offs (e.g. mark-to-market investment impacts). Overall, we saw the 1H26 result as compositionally stronger than the headline numbers suggested, and positively accompanied with a move-the-dial acquisition. We reduce FY26F EPS by -7% on a softer-than-expected 1H26 “reported” result, and dilution from the PAM equity issue.

Conversely, FY27F EPS rises +8% on PAM earnings benefits and a broader review of our assumptions. Our price target falls to A$23.21 (from A$26.30). We move to a BUY recommendation (previously Accumulate) with >20% upside existing to our PT.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

This pharmaceuticals company’s shares have fallen heavily over the past 12 months.

Bell Potter thinks this is a buying opportunity for investors and sees significant upside ahead. It has a buy rating and $23.00 price target on its shares.

The broker is expecting a much better year for Telix after a challenging time in 2025. It said:

We are confident regarding the approval in CY 2026 of Zircaix following resubmission of the Biological License Application (BLA). The FDA rejected the original BLA due to CMC (chemistry manufacturing & control) matters at Telix’s manufacturing partner. There were no matters related to safety or efficacy.

We expect the market for Zircaix once approved will be in excess of US$500m. The product has been included in guidelines for disease management in the US and Europe and continues to be available in the US under the expanded access program. Elsewhere, sales of Iluccix/ Gozellix in the PSMA franchise continue to grow and were recently boosted by the refresh on the pass through pricing.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Pinnacle, and Telix shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• 3 fantastic ASX 200 blue chip shares to buy with $5,000
• 3 reasons to buy CSL shares today
• 1 reason I’m never selling CSL shares

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

When people hear investing goals like $50,000, it can sound intimidating. But when you break it down into monthly habits rather than a lump sum, it becomes more achievable than most people realise.

If I were investing $500 a month into ASX shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), this is how I’d think about getting there and what I’d likely invest in along the way.

Building a habit

The most important part of this plan is consistency.

Putting $500 aside every month does two powerful things. First, it forces regular saving without relying on motivation. Second, it spreads your investing across market ups and downs, which reduces the risk of terrible timing. This is called dollar-cost averaging or DCA.

At $500 a month, it wouldn’t take as long as you might think to build a $50,000 nest egg.

Assuming a 9% average return each year, which I think is a fair and realistic target, an investment of $500 a month would grow to the target amount in just over 6 years.

It doesn’t happen in a straight line. Some years will feel slow. Others will surprise you. But the maths quietly does its job in the background.

How I would target a 9% annual return

A 9% return isn’t about chasing speculative stocks or getting lucky. It’s roughly in line with long-term equity market returns, assuming dividends are reinvested and you stay invested through cycles.

To give myself the best chance of achieving that, I’d stick to high-quality businesses and broad ETFs.

For example, a core holding like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) gives exposure to the largest ASX shares and captures dividends along the way. Pairing that with something global like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) helps diversify beyond Australia and adds exposure to sectors we lack locally.

Those two alone could comfortably form the backbone of a monthly investing plan.

Adding quality ASX shares over time

Alongside ETFs, I’d gradually add individual ASX shares to the portfolio when opportunities present themselves.

I’m not trying to buy everything at once. I’d rotate contributions based on value and conviction. Some months might go into ETFs. Others might go into a single high-quality stock.

Examples of the types of shares I’d be comfortable owning long term include businesses like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which offers stability and cash flow, and ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), which has structural growth drivers and strong execution. For higher growth exposure, something like HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) or Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) could make sense.

The key is that these are businesses I’d be happy to keep buying incrementally, rather than trying to time entries perfectly.

Foolish takeaway

Turning $500 a month into $50,000 doesn’t require perfect stock picks. It requires time, discipline, and a sensible approach to investing.

By consistently buying ASX shares and ETFs that represent quality businesses and broad market exposure, achieving a 9% average return over the long run is very achievable. Stay invested, reinvest dividends, and let compounding work quietly in the background.

It’s not flashy. But this style of investing has worked for decades.

The post How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• Ord Minnett has a ‘strongly positive view’ on this ASX 200 star
• ASX shares going ex-dividend next week
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Turning 45 can feel like a financial crossroads. For many Australians, it is the point where retirement stops being an abstract idea and starts to feel tangible.

There’s still time on your side, but not so much that progress can be left to chance.

Superannuation, whether you’ve been paying attention to it or not, is likely to be your largest asset outside the family home.

So where do Australians actually stand at this age, and how does that compare to what’s ultimately needed?

Why age 45 matters more than people realise

At 45, most people have been in the workforce for two decades or more. Contributions have had time to compound, but the really powerful years for super growth are still ahead.

This decade is often when incomes peak, debts start to shrink, and people have the greatest capacity to influence their final retirement outcome. That makes understanding your starting point especially important.

Before looking at the averages, it is worth stepping back and asking a bigger question. What are you aiming for?

What does enough actually look like?

According to the ASFA Retirement Standard, a comfortable retirement for someone who owns their home outright requires around $595,000 in super for a single person and $690,000 for a couple at retirement age.

This level supports everyday expenses, healthcare, transport, leisure activities, and regular social connection.

A modest retirement, which sits slightly above the Age Pension, requires far less. ASFA estimates that roughly $100,000 would be needed for singles and couples. But it comes with tighter lifestyle constraints and limited discretionary spending.

Those figures apply at retirement, not at 45. But they provide helpful context when assessing whether your current balance is doing enough heavy lifting.

So, what is the average super balance at 45?

There isn’t a precise data point for exactly age 45, but we can make a reasonable estimate using official age brackets.

Based on ASFA data, Australians aged 45–49 hold average superannuation balances of approximately $147,000 for women and $193,000 for men. At ages 40–44, they hold average balances of approximately $109,000 and $141,000, respectively.

Given that age 45 sits in the middle of these brackets, it’s fair to assume that the average 45-year-old woman has a balance of $128,000 and the average 45-year-old man has $167,000.

If your balance is around these levels, you’re broadly in line with the national average. If it is higher, you’re ahead of the curve. If it is lower, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed, but it does mean the next decade matters a lot.

How to close the gap in your 40s

For those who feel behind, age 45 is still a powerful reset point. Reviewing your investment option, checking fees, consolidating multiple accounts, and considering extra concessional contributions can all make a meaningful difference over time.

Even relatively small changes, consistently applied, can materially alter where you land by your mid-60s.

Readers can use the Rest Super calculator to work out their predicted superannuation balance at retirement based on what they have today.

Foolish takeaway

The average superannuation balance at 45 provides a useful reference point, but it is not a verdict.

What matters most isn’t how you compare to others today, but whether your super is positioned to grow over the next 10 to 20 years. With time still on your side, age 45 can be a turning point in your journey.

The post Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 45 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 hefty decline of the Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) share price has created a rare buying opportunity in one of Australia’s top shares.

Sell-offs are not common on the ASX share market, but when they happen, they can lead to a major reduction in the valuation. The Pro Medicus share price has dropped around 50% from October 2025, as the chart below shows.

I think Pro Medicus is one of the best ASX shares, so such a large correction means it’s much better value for investors.

Why it’s one of Australia’s top shares

The business provides a full range of medical imaging software and services to hospitals, imaging centres, and healthcare groups worldwide. Many of its main customers are located in the US and Europe.

Its profit margins are incredibly high – both the gross profit margin and operating profit (EBIT) margin. In the FY25 result, the company reported its underlying EBIT margin was 74%. That means a significant majority of its new revenue is being turned into usable profit that can be put towards growth activities or boost the bottom line.

The company’s finances are rapidly improving – in FY25, the revenue jumped 31.9% to $213 million, and net profit after tax (NPAT) climbed 39.2% to $115.2 million.

It certainly still has a high price-earnings (P/E) ratio, but the halving of the share price has helped push the company’s valuation back to a much reasonable level.

Analysts still expect the company’s profitability to soar in the coming years, which bodes well for the future, with earnings per share (EPS) predicted to grow to $1.50 in FY26, putting it at 104x FY26’s forecast earnings, according to CommSec’s projection.

The forecasts show that EPS is expected to rise another 29.5% in FY27 to $1.94, followed by a further 29.9% in FY28.

Those numbers imply the Pro Medicus share price is valued at 62x FY28’s estimated earnings.

There are great signs for this top share from Australia because of how it continues to win new clients, sell more modules to existing clients, and sign renewed contracts at a higher level of revenue.

Why I think this is a good time to invest in Pro Medicus shares

Market fears have been elevated by AI concerns about technology businesses.

It’s hard to say exactly how things will play out with artificial intelligence. But Pro Medicus has a number of elements of economic moat to help against competitors, including AI. I’m thinking of IP, a great reputation, relationships with clients, years of honing the software to meet client needs, and the long-term contracts it has signed.

Plus, Pro Medicus can utilise AI to help boost its offering and operations, rather than new technology being a complete negative (if AI were to significantly advance in abilities from here).

Plus, I like that this top share from Australia has a strong balance sheet (no debt) and is investing in expanding into different ‘ologies’ to boost its growth potential.

While it’s still not cheap, I think this is a wonderful time to look at the Pro Medicus share price. Investors may have been waiting for a better price – this is a rare opportunity to buy a piece of the company after a huge decline. The last time this happened was the quick sell-off in tariffs last year.

The post A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. 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.

When a share price hits a fresh 52-week low, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s a buy. Sometimes the market is flagging a real problem. Other times, sentiment simply overshoots reality.

On Friday, two well-known ASX shares touched new 52-week lows. What caught my attention is that in both cases, the long-term investment story still looks intact. That’s why I think they could be candidates for a rebound as the year unfolds.

Here’s why I’m watching them closely.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one of those ASX shares that rarely looks cheap, which is exactly why a 52-week low stands out.

The market has been cautious around Cochlear due to softer-than-expected growth, trade tensions, and margin pressures. None of these are insignificant, but they are largely cyclical rather than structural.

What hasn’t changed is Cochlear’s competitive position. It remains the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, with strong brand recognition among clinicians, deep relationships with hospitals, and a large installed base that supports ongoing service and upgrade revenue.

Demographic tailwinds also remain firmly in place. Ageing populations across developed markets continue to drive long-term demand for hearing solutions. That demand doesn’t disappear, it just gets deferred. Cochlear is also busy with studies that it believes will support adoption, highlighting growing links between hearing loss and cognition in older adults.

After hitting a new low, the bar for positive surprise has come down. Even a modest improvement in procedure volumes or margins could be enough to shift sentiment. For a business of this quality, I think that makes the risk-reward more interesting than it’s been for some time.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster Group is a very different story, but one that I think the market may be too pessimistic about.

The ASX share has been under pressure due to higher interest rates, tech sector weakness, and the general slowdown in discretionary retail.

That said, the business model still stands out. Temple & Webster operates an asset-light, online-only platform with national reach. It doesn’t carry the same fixed costs as traditional retailers, which gives it flexibility when conditions are tough and leverage when they improve.

Importantly, housing turnover and consumer confidence don’t stay depressed forever. When conditions normalise, online penetration in furniture is likely to continue increasing. Temple & Webster is well positioned to benefit from that trend.

The share price hitting a new low reflects near-term caution, not a broken model. If demand stabilises and marketing efficiency improves, it wouldn’t take much to change the narrative around this stock.

Foolish takeaway

New year lows don’t guarantee a bounce, but they often create opportunity when sentiment has swung too far.

Cochlear and Temple & Webster operate in very different industries, yet both share a common theme. The long-term drivers are still there, but the market has focused heavily on short-term headwinds.

For investors willing to look past recent price action and think a little further ahead, these are two ASX shares that I think could be overdue a new year jump.

The post 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Temple & Webster Group. 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.

Earning passive income from the share market is a goal many investors share.

The appeal is obvious. Regular income can help cover everyday expenses, supplement wages, or provide greater financial flexibility over time. But while the idea of earning $500 a month sounds achievable, the path to getting there is often misunderstood.

Rather than focusing only on the end result, it helps to break the journey into two parts. Those are the size of the portfolio required and the process of building it.

Understanding the passive income target

A passive income of $500 per month works out to $6,000 per year.

If an investor is able to generate a 5% dividend yield on a portfolio, that income level would require an investment portfolio of $120,000. This assumes dividends are paid consistently and excludes the impact of franking credits, which could further improve after-tax income for Australian investors.

Reaching this level does not require speculative investments or extreme risk. Many established ASX shares and income-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) have historically delivered yields in this range over time.

Examples include blue chip dividend payers like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), as well as diversified income ETFs such as Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).

How to build a $120,000 income portfolio

For most people, the bigger challenge is not maintaining a 5% dividend yield. It is getting to $120,000 in the first place.

This is where total return matters. If an investor can achieve an average 10% annual return (not guaranteed) by combining capital growth and dividends, the journey becomes far more manageable.

Rather than immediately targeting high-yield ASX shares, many investors start by focusing on quality ASX growth shares and broad-market ETFs. Shares such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), or ETFs like Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) and Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), have historically offered stronger growth potential.

By reinvesting dividends and adding regular contributions, a portfolio can compound steadily over time.

For example, starting at zero and adding $600 a month to an ASX share portfolio would grow to $120,000 in 10 years with a 10% per annum average return.

Transitioning to income

Once the portfolio approaches the $120,000 mark, the focus can gradually shift to passive income.

At that stage, investors could begin rotating some capital into higher-yielding ASX dividend shares or income ETFs. This transition does not have to be abrupt. It can happen slowly as opportunities arise or as personal income needs change.

The key is that the heavy lifting has already been done through compounding. The income becomes a by-product of years of disciplined investing rather than a rush to chase yield.

Foolish takeaway

Generating $500 per month in passive income is not about finding the perfect ASX dividend stock.

It starts with building a solid portfolio, aiming for strong total returns, and giving compounding time to work. With a target of around $120,000 and a patient approach that balances growth and income, this level of passive income is achievable for investors willing to stay the course.

The post Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, REA Group, ResMed, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, ResMed, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, ResMed, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.