Earning $1,000 a month in passive income from shares sounds ambitious, but it is achievable.

The key is to stop thinking in terms of quick wins and instead focus on building a portfolio of reliable, cash-generating businesses over time.

On the ASX, dividend-paying shares and income-focused funds make this goal particularly realistic for patient investors.

Here is how I would think about building a $12,000-a-year passive income stream, step by step.

Where to start

A $1,000-a-month income stream equates to $12,000 a year in dividends.

If a portfolio delivers an average dividend yield of around 5%, that means a portfolio value of roughly $240,000. At a 6% yield, the required capital falls closer to $200,000.

These figures are not small, but they are achievable over time through a combination of regular investing, dividend reinvestment, and patience.

The focus should be on sustainable dividends, not the highest yield available today.

Build your portfolio

In the early years, investors may want to focus on ASX shares that have the potential to grow over the long term.

This might mean shares such as ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), or Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

What we are looking for is a 10% per annum average return, which is in line with historical averages.

If we can achieve that, then it would take just 10 years of investing $1,000 a month to build a $200,000 investment portfolio. One further year of compounding would take us to approximately $240,000.

Focus on passive income

Now we have the portfolio to the size we want, we can focus on building the foundations of a passive income portfolio.

This is where we should be looking for ASX shares with predictable cash flows and a track record of paying dividends through different economic conditions.

One example is Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). Telstra operates in a defensive industry and generates steady cash flow from its mobile and network businesses. While it is not a high-growth stock, its dividends can play an important role in providing income stability.

Another is APA Group (ASX: APA). APA owns and operates critical gas infrastructure across Australia, with long-term contracts that support consistent distributions. Assets like these are often well suited to income-focused portfolios.

These types of businesses are not exciting, but reliability matters far more than excitement when building passive income.

In addition, retail businesses like Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) can sometimes offer attractive dividend yields when trading at sensible valuations. These companies are more cyclical, but when managed carefully, they can meaningfully boost income.

The key is diversification. No single stock should be responsible for too much of the monthly income target.

Foolish takeaway

Passive income from ASX shares is not reserved for professionals or retirees.

With a clear income target, the right mix of ASX dividend shares, and a long-term mindset, building a $1,000-a-month income stream is a realistic goal for everyday investors.

The post How I’d build a $1,000-a-month passive income from ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Bellevue Gold, Harvey Norman, Karoon Energy, and Westpac shares are falling today
• Top retirement shares for Australian investors to buy now
• 2 unstoppable ASX 200 stocks to buy in 2026 and hold forever
• Expecting a down year for the ASX? Here’s 3 ASX defensive shares to target
• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, ResMed, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, ResMed, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Harvey Norman, ResMed, Super Retail Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. 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.

If I were deploying $100,000 into the share market today, I’d focus on simplicity, durability, and businesses that have already proven they can compound value through multiple cycles.

With that mindset, here are three ASX 200 blue-chip shares I would be comfortable backing with a meaningful amount of capital.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is the definition of a blue chip on the Australian share market.

After a disappointing 2025, expectations for CSL are far more grounded in 2026 than in previous years. The market has already repriced the stock to reflect slower near-term growth in its plasma therapies business and softer conditions in vaccines. That reset matters.

What hasn’t changed is CSL’s competitive position. It remains one of just three global tier-one plasma therapy companies, operating in an oligopolistic market with enormous barriers to entry.

As plasma efficiency initiatives progress and margins begin to recover over the coming years, CSL’s earnings growth should normalise. 

It doesn’t need to surprise on the upside; it just needs to execute steadily. For a $100,000 portfolio, I think it could be a core holding.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is a stock I turn to when I want resilience without stagnation.

The company owns some of Australia’s strongest consumer brands, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline. These are businesses with scale, pricing power, and entrenched market positions. They generate significant cash flow across a wide range of economic conditions.

What sets Wesfarmers apart from many other ASX 200 blue-chip shares is management’s capital discipline. The company has shown a consistent willingness to rework its portfolio, exit underperforming assets, and reinvest where long-term returns look attractive. That mindset is critical for compounding over decades.

Wesfarmers may not deliver explosive growth in any single year, but it offers diversification, downside protection, and steady value creation. If I were investing $100,000, I’d want at least one stock that helps me sleep well at night. For me, that’s Wesfarmers.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is not a traditional bank, and that’s precisely why I like it.

The company operates across asset management, banking, commodities, capital markets, and advisory services. This diversified model enables Macquarie to generate earnings across various market environments, rather than relying on a single economic outcome.

Over time, Macquarie has proven its ability to allocate capital patiently, manage risk conservatively, and pivot its business mix as opportunities evolve. Its asset management division, in particular, provides exposure to long-term themes such as infrastructure, energy transition, and global investment flows.

Macquarie’s earnings can fluctuate year to year, but the long-term trajectory has been consistently upward. For investors with a large sum to invest, I think that combination of diversification and optional upside makes it an attractive blue-chip holding.

Foolish Takeaway

CSL, Wesfarmers, and Macquarie are not speculative ideas. They are established, well-managed businesses with competitive advantages and long track records of navigating uncertainty.

If I were investing $100,000 today, I’d be backing companies that have already proven they can endure, adapt, and compound. These three blue chips tick those boxes for me.

The post 3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares I would buy with $100,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Prediction: CSL shares could soar past $270 in 2026
• 5 unbeatable ASX stocks I’m eager to buy in 2026
• The simple buy and hold investing lesson that still works with ASX shares today
• Could these ASX 200 losers be among the best shares to buy in 2026?
• 3 no-brainer ASX stocks to buy with $1,000 right now for the New Year

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

Almost all of us have a superannuation fund. But many of us aren’t too familiar with what that super fund is actually investing our hard-earned money in.

Most Australians tend to opt for a simple ‘balanced’ fund from one of the many providers out there. But there are others who instead choose to directly pick and manage the investments, or even run their own self-managed super funds (SMSF). For these investors, there are numerous exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that may suit their needs.

ETFs are a great way to easily add diversification and stability to a super fund. So let’s talk about the two top ASX ETFs that I think would be suitable for most superannuation funds today.

Two ASX ETFs to consider for your superannuation fund in 2026

Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

Most Australian superannuation funds, whether they be pre-mix portfolios, SMSFs, or others, are heavily exposed to both the Australian and American stock markets. That makes sense. The Australian markets offer familiarity, domestic investment, and exposure to a market that has historically delivered wealth-building returns. Franking credits are an added bonus.

Meanwhile, the USA is home to many of the best businesses in the world, whether that be Apple, Mastercard, Costco, or Nvidia.

But some investors may wish to diversify their superannuation portfolios away from these two markets. The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF is an easy solution. This Vanguard ETF tracks dozens of stock markets around the world, excluding the American markets. It draws its holdings from countries as diverse as India, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, and Thailand. Some of its largest positions include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Shell plc, Toyota, and Nestle.

This ASX ETF would suit any investor who would like to see their superannuation investments spread out amongst a truly global portfolio of stocks.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Given that our superannuation funds represent our ticket to a comfortable retirement, investors usually want to see their capital deployed in safe, reliable businesses that can survive and thrive in all kinds of economic climates. That’s where this ASX ETF can come in handy.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF invests in a basket of the world’s best consumer staples stocks. These stocks produce goods that we tend to need to buy continuously. They include food, drinks, household essentials, alcohol, and tobacco.

These companies make for wonderful defensive investments, as the requirement to keep our households well-stocked doesn’t abate during recessions or periods of high inflation. Some of IXI’s largest companies include Coca-Cola Co, Walmart, Kraft Heinz, Procter & Gamble, and Colgate-Palmolive.

If you’re looking for a defensive ETF for your superannuation fund that puts your money in some of the world’s most resilient businesses, this fund is well worth a closer look.

The post 2 top ETFs to consider for your superannuation in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Australian ETFs to buy and hold forever
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• The best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs of 2025
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• Simple, easy investing: These 3 ASX ETFs are all a beginner needs

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Apple, Coca-Cola, Costco Wholesale, Kraft Heinz, Mastercard, and Procter & Gamble. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Colgate-Palmolive, Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Kraft Heinz and Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Mastercard, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX financials shares had a solid year in 2025 broadly speaking. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) slightly outperformed the ASX 200. 

It rose by just over 7%. 

There were a few ASX financials shares that had stellar years, bringing happy investors strong returns. 

Let’s look at three and investigate if they are likely to repeat their strong performance in 2026. 

Consolidated Operations Group Limited (ASX: COG)

Consolidated Operations Group shares were among the best performing in the entire sector over the last year. 

The company is Australia’s leading finance broker aggregator and equipment leasing company for small to medium-sized businesses. 

The company has two segments, its finance broker & aggregation business and its lending business.

Its share price is up almost 100% across the last year. 

Is it time to buy, hold, or sell after this impressive gain?

Estimates from brokers indicate it still has more room to run. 

Late last year, Morgans placed a price target of $2.63 on these financials shares and Bell Potter, a buy rating and $2.70 price target. 

These targets indicate a further upside from yesterday’s closing price of around 29% to 33%. 

The cherry on top is the expected 3.8% to 4.5% dividend yield over the next two years. 

Ma Financial Group (ASX: MAF)

This financials stock has enjoyed a rise of 85% over the last 12 months. 

It is a diversified financial services company, specialising in managing alternative assets, lending, corporate advisory, and equities.

This has been driven by strong growth in assets under management (AUM).

Investors also reacted positively to the acquisition in late November of Hyperdome Town Centre shopping centre for $678.7 million.

Estimates from analysts indicate these ASX financials shares are now trading close to fair value. 

TradingView has a 12 month price target of $11.27, which is roughly 25% higher than its current share price. 

Navigator Global Investments (ASX: NGI)

Navigator Global Investments shares were another stock market winner in 2025. 

Its share price is up 86% from this time last year. 

The company believes its strong financial performance can continue, with management targeting to double its EBITDA to over US$200 million by 2030.

Estimates from the team at Morgan reinforce that these ASX financials shares can keep rising. 

In December last year, the broker initiated coverage with a buy rating and $3.45 price target.

This indicates a further 15% upside. 

The post Can these high flying financials shares from last year do it again? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Finishing strong – 3 ASX 200 stocks soaring in December
• Why Morgans just put buy ratings on these ASX stocks

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

The Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) share price is in focus today after the company announced CEO Neil Salmon will retire in February 2026, with Nathalie Ahlström stepping in as his successor. The leadership change follows a period of strong organic growth and strategic transformation for the safety equipment leader.

What did Ansell report?

• CEO Neil Salmon to retire after 13 years, including since 2021 as Managing Director and CEO
• Nathalie Ahlström, former President and CEO of Fiskars Group, appointed as next CEO
• Salmon to continue as Special Advisor until 30 June 2026 for a smooth transition
• Board credits Salmon with strong organic growth, productivity, and successful integration of major acquisitions
• Ahlström to start transition on 26 January 2026, becoming CEO on 16 February 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Ansell’s leadership handover comes after several years of operational improvements, including the integration of the Kimberly-Clark PPE business—the company’s largest acquisition. The Board has sought to maintain continuity, with Mr. Salmon staying on as Special Advisor during the changeover.

Nathalie Ahlström brings experience from global roles at Fiskars, Fazer Group, and Amcor, and her appointment signals a drive to further innovation and international market reach. Her employment terms include both short and long-term incentives tied to performance, reflecting Ansell’s ongoing commitment to shareholder value.

What did Ansell management say?

Chair Nigel Garrard said:

We are delighted to appoint Nathalie as Ansell’s next Managing Director and CEO. Nathalie brings exceptional leadership experience, a track record of delivering results in complex global markets, and a deep understanding of innovation and operational excellence. These qualities, combined with her strategic vision, will help ensure that Ansell continues to strengthen its market position and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.

What’s next for Ansell?

The incoming CEO will lead Ansell into its next stage of growth, with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and reinforcing global market leadership in personal protective equipment. The Board expects a seamless transition under Ahlström’s guidance, building on the foundations established under Neil Salmon’s tenure.

Investors can anticipate Ansell continuing to develop new products, pursue sustainable sourcing and manufacturing, and target further opportunities for both organic growth and acquisitions.

Ansell share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ansell shares have risen 5%, running slightly ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has climbed 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ansell announces CEO transition: Nathalie Ahlström to succeed Neil Salmon in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources reports steady gold output; FY26 guidance reaffirmed
• Monadelphous lands $110m in new contracts across sectors
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Magellan Financial Group dips as AUM slips in December quarter
• Capricorn Metals hits key Q2 production targets and advances expansion projects

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in Ansell. 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 recommended Ansell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) share price is in focus today after the company reported December quarter gold production of 45,610 ounces and confirmed it remains on track to meet its FY26 guidance.

What did Ramelius Resources report?

• Gold production of 45,610 ounces for the December 2025 quarter (down from 55,013 ounces last quarter)
• Year-to-date gold production reached 100,623 ounces, in line with guidance of 185,000–205,000 ounces for FY26
• Underlying free cash flow of A$67 million before tax and dividends
• Cash and gold balance stood at A$694.3 million as at 31 December 2025
• Shareholders received A$60.3 million in dividends during the half

What else do investors need to know?

The company continued progressing key projects, including releasing a Five Year Gold Production Outlook targeting 500,000 ounces by FY30. The Dalgaranga mine remains on schedule and budget, with the first Never Never ore set to be processed at the Mt Magnet hub in the March quarter.

Development at Mt Magnet included plant engineering works and the appointment of a new General Manager for Major Projects. Ramelius also signed a Native Title Mining Agreement at the Rebecca-Roe project, representing an important step in project development.

What did Ramelius Resources management say?

Chief Operating Officer Tim Hewitt said:

We continue to build on the strong momentum from our first quarter and remain on track to deliver our FY26 guidance with production year-to-date of 100,623 ounces. Mt Magnet produced 45,610 ounces in the quarter, in line with our plan with strong contribution from Penny and Cue mines.

Importantly, the development of the Dalgaranga mine is on time and on budget with first ore from Never Never to be delivered to the Mt Magnet processing plant in the March 2026 quarter. We look forward to sharing an update from the recently accelerated drilling program at priority targets within our exploration portfolio in coming weeks demonstrating the significant potential upside at the Mt Magnet production hub.

What’s next for Ramelius Resources?

Looking ahead, Ramelius is maintaining its FY26 gold production guidance and expects to deliver ore from the Dalgaranga mine’s Never Never deposit to Mt Magnet in the next quarter. The company is accelerating exploration activities, particularly around Penny, Cue and Galaxy, while initiating a $250 million share buyback and lifting its minimum dividend to two cents per year.

Management says the fully funded project pipeline and major project development should support growth towards the company’s five-year production target.

Ramelius Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ramelius Resources shares have risen 97%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ramelius Resources reports steady gold output; FY26 guidance reaffirmed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Monadelphous lands $110m in new contracts across sectors
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Magellan Financial Group dips as AUM slips in December quarter
• Capricorn Metals hits key Q2 production targets and advances expansion projects
• Regis Resources reports record cash and bullion build in latest earnings update

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) share price is in focus today after the company announced a slew of new construction and maintenance contracts worth approximately $110 million, spanning resources, energy, and renewables, with projects secured in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

What did Monadelphous report?

• New contracts in resources, energy, and renewable sectors valued at ~$110 million
• Four-year multidisciplinary maintenance contract with BW Offshore Australia Management at BW Opal FPSO near Darwin
• Contract with Rio Tinto for process plant modifications at Hope Downs 2 project, Pilbara, WA
• Contract with Santos for demolition and disposal of Hegigio Pipeline Bridge, Southern Highlands, PNG
• Zenviron JV awarded Bennetts Creek Battery Energy Storage System project with Flow Power in Victoria

What else do investors need to know?

Monadelphous continues to build on its strong order book, with these new contracts adding to its presence across Australia and the Asia Pacific. The BW Offshore contract provides the company with steady, recurring maintenance revenue over four years.

The inclusion of Zenviron’s renewable battery contract highlights the group’s ongoing efforts to diversify into clean energy infrastructure. The company’s projects span from oil and gas facilities to emerging battery storage systems, reflecting an expanding customer and sector base.

What’s next for Monadelphous?

Investors can expect Monadelphous to continue pursuing both traditional and renewable projects. The recently awarded contracts are anticipated to contribute to revenue from the first quarter of 2026 through to late 2027. Management’s focus remains on sustaining growth by leveraging its expertise in construction and maintenance services while further developing its renewable energy capabilities.

Monadelphous share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Monadelphous Group shares have risen 85%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Monadelphous lands $110m in new contracts across sectors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources reports steady gold output; FY26 guidance reaffirmed
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Magellan Financial Group dips as AUM slips in December quarter
• Capricorn Metals hits key Q2 production targets and advances expansion projects
• Regis Resources reports record cash and bullion build in latest earnings update

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

When you have a lump sum to invest, the hardest part is often deciding where to start.

Markets are rarely calm, headlines are rarely helpful, and waiting for the perfect moment usually means waiting forever.

That is why many investors choose a different approach. Instead of trying to predict what will happen next, they spread their money across high-quality exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are built to perform across a range of market conditions.

If you have $20,000 to invest in ASX ETFs this month, here is how you could think about putting it to work using two very different, but complementary, funds.

Betashares Video Games And Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)

The Betashares Video Games And Esports ETF offers investors easy exposure to the global video gaming and esports industry. This is a sector that continues to grow well beyond its early roots.

The ASX ETF holds a diversified mix of gaming publishers, hardware makers, and platform businesses. Some of its key holdings include Nintendo, Unity Software (NYSE: U), and Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO). These companies sit at the heart of entertainment, technology, and digital engagement.

What makes this ASX ETF particularly interesting is how deeply gaming is embedded in consumer behaviour. Video games are no longer a niche hobby. They are a mainstream form of entertainment with recurring revenue through subscriptions, in-game purchases, and digital content.

Take Nintendo as an example. Its ecosystem approach, built around iconic franchises and dedicated hardware, has allowed it to generate highly durable earnings across cycles. By owning this fund, investors gain exposure to this type of long-term consumer engagement without needing to pick individual winners.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Another ASX ETF to look at for the $20,000 is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF. It is designed for investors who want exposure to the world’s highest quality stocks.

The fund focuses on businesses with strong balance sheets, high returns on equity, and consistent earnings growth. Its holdings include global leaders such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Visa (NYSE: V), and Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX).

What sets the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF apart is its emphasis on quality rather than size or hype. These are companies with sustainable competitive advantages, pricing power, and business models that have proven themselves over time.

Microsoft is a good example. Its combination of enterprise software, cloud computing, and recurring revenue makes it one of the most resilient growth businesses in the world.

This fund was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post Where to invest $20,000 in ASX ETFs this month 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 positions in and has recommended Lam Research, Microsoft, Take-Two Interactive Software, Unity Software, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nintendo and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lam Research, Microsoft, Unity Software, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

One of the largest ASX ETF providers is iShares. 

iShares is a family of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) created and managed by BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset managers.

Here are some of iShares’ best performing ASX ETFs over the past 12 months.

iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)

This ASX ETF tracks the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large-cap and  mid-cap companies.

The Korean economy saw modest growth in 2025, however this fund was able to capture some of the record breaking exports from last year. 

Electronics, and technology companies in particular rose sharply in 2025. 

These companies make up roughly half of the fund. 

By sector, its largest exposure is to: 

• Information Technology (48.95%)
• Industrials (19.29%)
• Financials (10.35%)

In fact, the country’s annual exports exceeded $700 billion for the first time. This was largely on the back of semiconductor demand.

Semiconductors play an important role in the AI landscape.

This all contributed to a fantastic year for this ASX ETF which is now up more than 80% in the last 12 months. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)

This more broad – Asia tracking ASX ETF enjoyed strong returns for many of the same reasons. 

This fund from iShares aims to track the performance of the S&P Asia 50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of 50 of the largest Asian companies domiciled in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. 

It has a strong exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) company which rose more than 50% in the last year. 

This one holding makes up more than a quarter of the fund by weighting. 

There are currently 52 holdings in total. 

In the last 12 months, this ASX ETF has risen by an impressive 41%. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)

Changing continents, this ASX ETF aims to track the performance of the S&P Europe 350 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of large capitalisation equities and covers 16 major developed European markets.

Geographically, this funds’ largest exposure is to:

• United Kingdom (23.51%)
• France (15.94%)
• Switzerland (14.42%)
• Germany (14.32%)

It is up more than 21% since this time last year. 

The post The best performing iShares ASX ETFs last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX ETFs to buy in 2026 and hold until at least 2036
• 3 strong ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026
• Own IVV or IOO ETFs? Here’s your next dividend

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. 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 interesting when an analyst thinks an ASX share is a buy. However, when multiple analysts place a buy rating on a particular business, it could be a signal to take a closer look.

The two companies that I’m about to highlight are some of the most highly rated opportunities on the ASX right now. That doesn’t guarantee great returns, or even positive returns, but experts are clearly bullish on their potential.

Let’s dive into two appealing ideas.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

According to a collation of analyst ratings on this ASX share, there are currently 13 buy recommendations.

As the chart below shows, the WiseTech share price has dropped by close to 50% over the past year. Experts think this could be a good time to invest for a potential rebound.

Broker UBS describes WiseTech as a global technology company that develops, sells and implements software for logistics service providers in more than 165 countries. Its core platform is called CargoWise, which helps customers execute “highly complex logistics transactions” and manages operations on one global database. Its customers include most of the leading global freight forwarders and third-party logistic providers.

UBS currently has a price target of $115 on the business, suggesting it can rise 72% within a year (at the time of writing).

The broker thinks WiseTech is attractively priced compared to other US high-growth peers that operate on a software-as-a-service business model.

In FY26, UBS projects that WiseTech could generate US$1.4 billion of revenue and US$223 million of net profit.

Fast forward to FY30, and UBS sees revenue reaching US$2.6 billion and net profit reaching US$771 million. In other words, in four financial years time, revenue could grow 84% and net profit could surge 245%.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

Collins Foods is another ASX share that’s highly rated by analysts. According to the Commsec recommendation collation, there are currently eight buy ratings on the business.

One of the brokers that rates Collins Foods as a buy is UBS. This business is one of the largest KFC franchisee operators in Australia. It also has a growing presence in Germany and the Netherlands.

Unlike WiseTech, the Collins Foods share price has had a strong 12 months – it’s up more than 40%, as the below chart shows. UBS thinks the fast food operator has more room for growth.

UBS currently has a price target of $13.10 on the business, suggesting the ASX share could rise 24% within the next year.

The broker believes that Collins Foods’ value proposition is resonating with customers, with its KFC Australia network showing an improvement of like-for-like sales in the second half of the 2025 calendar year. Many other consumer-facing businesses did not see an improvement in comparable sales.

While conditions are challenging in Europe, UBS suggested that lower chicken costs (with a reversal of the avian flu impacts) and changes to VAT could help its European division deliver operating profit (EBITDA) growth. UBS said:

We continue to like the ongoing strength within the Australian KFC business, combined with the penetration opportunity within Germany.

The broker is forecasting that the ASX share could generate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for earnings per share (EPS) of 19%.

Despite that, the Collins Foods share price is trading at less than 21x FY26’s estimated earnings.

UBS predicts that business could deliver an operating profit margin of 16% by FY31, with the “annualisation of strong value offerings giving some fixed cost operating leverage”, the benefit of cost tailwinds (for chicken, potatoes and oil), ongoing improvement within outlets and “ongoing fractionalisation of head office costs from ongoing store roll-out.”

Overall, things are looking very positive for this ASX share, though it’s not only stock worth keeping an eye on.

The post Experts rate these 2 ASX shares as buys this month! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could these ASX 200 losers be among the best shares to buy in 2026?
• Why 4DMedical, Regis Resources, Unico Silver, and WiseTech Global shares are pushing higher
• Prediction: WiseTech stock is going to soar past $150 in 2026
• 3 phenomenal ASX stocks that could double in 2026
• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026

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