Tag: Stock pick

This ASX car stock has been on the move.

Shares in Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) have climbed roughly 13% over the past month. That’s helped narrow its loss for 2026 to around 3%. Zoom out, however, and the picture looks far stronger, as the ASX auto stock is still up about 36% over the past 12 months.

So what’s going on? One driver could be the global fuel crunch and the knock-on effect it’s having on electric vehicle demand.

Exposure to fast-growing EV brand

Eagers is the largest automotive retail group in Australia. The company owns and operates a large network of new and used motor vehicle dealerships across Australia and New Zealand.

A big driver of Eagers’ success has been electric vehicles, particularly BYD. The ASX car stock has been one of the standout performers in the consumer discretionary sector and now operates roughly 80% of BYD dealerships in Australia. That gives it unmatched exposure to one of the fastest-growing EV brands in the country.

Petrol prices push Aussies into EVs

At first glance, the fuel crunch might not seem directly relevant to the rising price of the ASX car stock. After all, Eagers isn’t an EV manufacturer. But dig a little deeper, and the link becomes clearer.

Rising petrol prices are pushing more Australians to consider electric vehicles. That shift is accelerating demand for brands like BYD, which has been rapidly gaining traction locally. Importantly, Eagers has exposure to EV sales through its broad dealership network, giving it a front-row seat to this transition.

More customers walking into dealerships to enquire about EVs can translate into higher sales activity. Even if buyers are simply switching from petrol cars to electric models, increased showroom traffic tends to support volumes and sometimes margins too.

And margins matter. When demand outstrips supply, as is currently the case for some EV models, dealers often have greater pricing power. That can reduce the need for discounting and support profitability across new vehicle sales.

Shift in buying behaviour

But before investors get too carried away, it’s worth keeping a few caveats in mind.

First, this is largely a shift in buying behaviour rather than a guaranteed surge in total car sales. If consumers are simply swapping petrol vehicles for EVs, the overall volume uplift may be limited.

Second, supply constraints remain a real issue. Strong demand for EVs, including models from BYD, has led to longer wait times. That can delay deliveries and push revenue recognition further out, muting near-term earnings momentum.

Finally, the $7 billion ASX car stock is still a cyclical business. Interest rates, consumer confidence, and access to finance all play a major role in car-buying decisions. Those macro factors can easily outweigh any thematic boost from EV adoption.

Foolish Takeaway

The fuel crisis appears to be providing a helpful tailwind for the ASX car stock by accelerating interest in electric vehicles. But it’s not a simple case of “EV demand up, share price up”.

For investors, this remains a broad play on automotive demand — with EVs adding an extra layer of momentum rather than defining the entire story.

The post Why fuel prices could be quietly powering this ASX car stock higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Arafura Rare Earths, Eagers Automotive, Life360, and Pro Medicus shares are racing higher today
• Why this ASX giant’s shares just hit the accelerator today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BYD Company. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX tech shares are roaring back to life.

After a brutal 6 months, the largest names on the ASX tech scene have staged a sharp rebound over the past five trading days. Investors are piling back into the sector, and the turnaround has been fast.

Let’s take a closer look how each ASX tech share fared.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Leading the charge is WiseTech, which has surged an eye-catching 26% in just a week. That’s a major reversal for an ASX tech share still down 33% year to date.

The company’s CargoWise platform remains deeply embedded in global logistics networks, giving it strong recurring revenue and pricing power. However, expectations are high, and any slowdown in global trade or earnings growth could quickly pressure the share price again.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

This ASX tech share has also bounced strongly, climbing 16% over the past five days, though it remains down 28% in 2025.

The cloud accounting leader continues to grow its global subscriber base, particularly in key offshore markets. Its long-term growth story is intact, but investors are still watching closely for improvements in profitability and margins.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

One of the biggest movers has been Megaport, which has jumped 28% in a matter of days, despite being down 30% year to date.

The company is benefiting from structural demand as more businesses shift to cloud-based infrastructure. Still, this ASX tech share remains a volatile name, and sentiment can swing quickly if execution falls short.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Meanwhile, NextDC is in a different position altogether. Its shares have risen 11% over the past week and are now up 12% for the year.

The data centre operator sits at the heart of powerful trends including artificial intelligence and cloud computing. That demand is driving growth, though its capital-intensive expansion plans mean investors must keep an eye on costs and project execution.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

Rounding out the group is TechnologyOne, which has climbed 13% in five days and is now up 11% year to date.

The ASX tech share has been one of the steadiest performers in the sector, supported by its successful transition to a software-as-a-service model. Its consistency is a strength, although any slowdown in contract wins or enterprise spending could temper momentum.

Foolish Takeaway

The sharp rebound across these names highlights just how quickly sentiment can shift in the tech sector. While some of these ASX tech stocks are still well below their earlier highs, the recent surge suggests investors are once again willing to back growth.

Whether this rally has staying power will likely depend on earnings delivery and broader market conditions, but for now, ASX tech is firmly back in the spotlight.

The post The tech rally is back: here are 5 ASX shares leading the charge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys
• Are these the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 10 years?
• Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says
• 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week’s slumping market
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Superannuation tends to sit quietly in the background for most of our working lives.

It builds gradually through employer contributions, occasional top-ups, and investment returns. But every now and then, it is worth pausing to ask a simple question: how is my balance tracking compared to others at the same stage of life?

Looking at average balances across key ages can provide a useful reference point. Not as a perfect benchmark, but as a guide to how super typically evolves over time, and whether you may need to adjust course.

What are we aiming for?

Before diving into the numbers, it is important to understand the end goal.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, a comfortable retirement currently requires around $630,000 in super for a single person and $730,000 for a couple at retirement age.

A modest retirement, which sits just above the Age Pension, requires far less, roughly $110,000 to $120,000.

These figures provide useful context when assessing balances at different ages.

Age 40: building momentum

By age 40, superannuation is starting to become meaningful, but it is still in the early stages of growth.

Australians aged 40–44 have average balances of approximately $109,000 for women and $140,000 for men. This reflects around 20 to 25 years of contributions, often alongside competing financial priorities such as mortgages and raising families.

At this stage, the most important factor is momentum. Contributions are building, and investment returns are starting to compound, but the real growth typically comes later.

Age 50: entering the critical phase

By age 50, superannuation balances have usually grown significantly.

Australians aged 50–54 hold average balances of roughly $190,000 for women and $254,000 for men. While this is a meaningful increase from age 40, it is still well below what is required for a comfortable retirement.

This decade is often the most important. With peak earning years and fewer competing financial pressures for some, the ability to boost contributions and refine investment strategies can have a major impact on the final outcome.

Age 60: approaching the finish line

At 60, retirement is no longer a distant concept.

Australians aged 60–64 have average superannuation balances of approximately $313,000 for women and $396,000 for men. By this stage, super has become a central pillar of retirement planning.

While balances have grown substantially, many Australians are still short of the comfortable retirement benchmark, particularly as individuals. This is why the final working years can be so valuable in closing the gap.

Age 65: stepping into retirement

By age 65, many Australians are transitioning into retirement or preparing to do so.

Those aged 65–69 hold average balances of around $392,000 for women and $448,000 for men. For couples, combined balances often move closer to or beyond the level required for a comfortable retirement, especially when supported by the Age Pension.

For singles, however, the picture can be more challenging, with many relying on a combination of super and government support.

Foolish takeaway

Superannuation is a long-term journey, not a single number to hit.

The averages at 40, 50, 60, and 65 show steady progress, but they also highlight the importance of staying engaged, especially in the years leading up to retirement.

Understanding where you stand today is the first step. What you do next is what ultimately shapes your retirement.

The post Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at ages 40, 50, 60, and 65 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a Warren Buffett-inspired ASX share portfolio
• Why fuel prices could be quietly powering this ASX car stock higher
• The tech rally is back: here are 5 ASX shares leading the charge
• How many ANZ shares do I need to buy for $10,000 a year in passive income?
• Why I’d buy and hold NDQ and these ASX ETFs for 10 years

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.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have long been popular with passive income investors for their lengthy track record of delivering reliable, twice-yearly dividend payments.

The bank even made two payments in the pandemic-confounded year of 2020.

So, if you’re aiming to bank an extra $10,000 a year in passive income, ANZ shares are well worth investigating.

Atop those regular dividend payments, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock has also delivered some market-beating capital gains over the past year.

ANZ shares closed on Friday, trading for $37.69. That sees the stock up 34.4% in 12 months, racing ahead of the 14.2% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

Now, we’ll dive into how many ANZ shares you might need to buy for an extra $10,000 yearly passive income below.

But first, a few important reminders.

Diversify amid an uncertain future

First, while we’re only looking at the dividends on offer from ANZ shares here, a properly diversified passive income portfolio will include many more than just one stock. While there’s no magic number that suits everyone, somewhere around a dozen is a decent ballpark figure.

Ideally, these ASX dividend stocks will operate in various sectors and locations. That will help reduce the risk that your income stream will take an unexpected hit if a particular company or industry runs into a rough patch.

Also, bear in mind that the yields you generally see quoted are trailing yields. Future yields may be higher or lower depending on a range of company specific and macroeconomic factors.

If you’re buying ANZ shares, these include the ASX 200 bank’s risk management and cost controls. ANZ’s future profits and dividends will also be affected by the trajectory of interest rates and the broader performance of the Australian economy.

With that in mind…

Banking on ANZ shares for an annual $10,000 passive income

ANZ paid an interim dividend of 83 cents a share on 1 July. The ASX 200 bank paid a final dividend of 83 cents a share on 19 December, both franked at 70%, for a full-year payout of $1.66 a share.

At Friday’s closing price, this sees ANZ shares trading on a partly franked trailing dividend yield of 4.4%.

And it means that if you’re aiming for $10,000 a year in passive income, you’d need to buy 6,024 ANZ shares today.

How much would that cost?

At Friday’s closing price of $37.69 a share, you’d need to invest $227,045 in ANZ shares to bank $10,000 a year in passive income (based on the trailing yields).

Now, that’s a sizeable investment to make at one go.

But that’s okay.

You can always invest a smaller amount on a regular basis, and you’ll reach your income goal in good time.

The post How many ANZ shares do I need to buy for $10,000 a year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• In the midst of economic turmoil, what does Morgan Stanley say the ASX banks are worth?
• ANZ, NAB, Westpac, and CBA shares: Analysts rate 3 to sell, and 1 to buy
• What’s going on with the ANZ share price?
• ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week

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

A 10-year timeframe changes how I think about exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Instead of focusing on short-term performance, I find it more useful to think about how an ETF fits into a portfolio and what role it can play over time. The combination of different roles is often what builds a stronger long-term outcome.

Here are three ETFs I would be comfortable buying and holding for the next decade.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The NDQ ETF is often framed around technology, but I think it can be viewed as a concentration play on global leadership.

This popular fund gives you exposure to a group of 100 companies that dominate their respective industries. These are businesses that tend to set standards, shape customer behaviour, and influence how entire sectors evolve.

What I find interesting is how that leadership compounds. When a company sits at the centre of an ecosystem, it often benefits from scale, data, and network effects that reinforce its position over time. That can lead to stronger margins, deeper customer relationships, the ability to invest heavily in future growth, and often strong returns for shareholders.

Holding the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF over 10 years, in my view, is about owning that layer of global influence rather than trying to pick individual winners.

Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)

The VISM ETF plays a very different role.

Where the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF focuses on established global leaders, the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF provides exposure to smaller companies across developed markets that are earlier in their growth journey.

What I like is the breadth of its holdings. Instead of relying on a handful of large names, this ETF spreads exposure across hundreds of businesses operating in different industries and regions. That creates a wide base of potential growth drivers.

Over time, some of these companies will scale, some will be acquired, and others will continue to grow steadily in niche areas.

The VISM ETF is a way to capture that long tail of opportunity that often sits beneath the largest companies.

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

Lastly, the VAE ETF adds a geographic dimension that I think is important over a long horizon.

It provides exposure to Asian markets outside Japan, including economies that are continuing to expand and evolve.

What I find attractive here is how economic development can translate into an investment opportunity. As incomes rise and populations grow, new sectors emerge, and existing ones deepen. That process can support long-term growth across multiple areas of the economy.

The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF captures that progression across a range of countries, which should help balance the risks and opportunities within the region.

Foolish Takeaway

I believe that a long-term ETF strategy comes back to combining different sources of growth.

The NDQ ETF provides exposure to global leaders that continue to shape industries, the VISM ETF offers access to a broad set of smaller companies with growth potential, and the VAE ETF captures the ongoing development of Asian markets.

Each brings a different role, and I think that combination could support a portfolio built for the long term.

The post Why I’d buy and hold NDQ and these ASX ETFs for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for the next decade
• Has the ASX 200 or S&P 500 been a better investment this year?
• 3 top ASX ETFs I’d buy and hold for 10 years (and why)
• Are these 3 ASX tech ETFs bargain buys in April?

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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A study released by Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) shows Australians aged 60-plus believe the minimum annual income needed to live comfortably and happily in retirement, as a single person, is $70,398.

That is much higher than Australia’s benchmark ASFA Retirement Standard.

The Standard says a comfortable retirement costs $54,840 per year for single homeowners and $77,375 per year for couples.

A modest retirement lifestyle costs $35,503 per year for single homeowners and $51,299 per year for couples.

For renters, a modest lifestyle costs $50,055 per year for singles and $67,639 for couples.

The disparity between modest retirement lifestyles for homeowners and renters highlights the advantages of homeownership.

The Standard is updated every quarter to reflect inflation and provide a realistic estimate of retirement costs in today’s dollars.

We worry about running out of money

Almost half of the women respondents and 43% of men said they were worried about running out of money in retirement, particularly as the cost of living in Australia rises. One in two pre-retirees also fear running out of money.

The study, developed in partnership with independent research provider YouGov, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,015 Australians aged 60-plus in February.

Having enough money to enjoy a happy retirement was a top priority for 44% of Australians, ranking behind physical health at 58%.

The research found that retirees’ main savings goals were certainty that their money would last for life (72%), confidence to cover health and aged care costs (65%), and maintaining their current lifestyle (53%).

Challenger Customer CEO, Mandy Mannix, said:

The key is to have the confidence and certainty to relax in those golden years, knowing your money will last and you can afford to enjoy all retirement has to offer.

Challenger sells retirement income products, primarily annuities that deliver guaranteed regular payments in retirement for life.

However, the study showed 59% of Australians did not know about lifetime income streams as a financial strategy for retirement.

Mannix said a guaranteed regular income was a powerful way to ensure a happy and secure retirement.

A ‘paycheck’ means retirees know their needs are taken care of giving them greater confidence to spend on their activities and hobbies that give them purpose and happiness in retirement.

Mannix added that after decades of saving, many older Australians found it difficult to switch to spending once they stopped working.

How are Aussies funding their retirement today?

The age pension is the most common way of funding retirement, with superannuation in second place, but rapidly growing.

Australians born on or after 1 January 1957 are eligible for the pension at age 67, whether retired or not.

The full pension, with both supplements, is $31,223 per year for singles and $47,070 for couples.

The pension is subject to an assets test and an income test.

If you own or earn too much, you may only qualify for a part-pension, or no pension at all.

Find out how much you can own and earn in retirement while still qualifying for the pension here.

The post Australians overestimate how much retirement income they need: study appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy and hold NDQ and these ASX ETFs for 10 years
• What assets can I own in retirement and still qualify for the Age Pension?
• Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys
• 3 reasons why the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is a great buy for wealth building
• The ASX dividend stocks I’d trust for long-term income

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

The Age Pension is a fortnightly payment to Australians aged 67 or older to help fund retirement. The payment comes on top of superannuation and is designed as a safety net for retirees who don’t have enough to support themselves after they stop working.

There isn’t a flat rate available to everyone though, the amount you can get depends on two criteria: your income and your assets.

An income test assesses all of your income pooled from all sources. That includes anything from superannuation contributions, investment income, dividend payments, part-time wages, bonuses or commission payments. It’s applicable regardless of your age. 

Then an asset test, includes any stocks, like S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares, property or possessions you own in full, in part, or have an interest in. This includes assets held outside Australia and any debts owed to you. This generally doesn’t include your principal home.

You’ll also need to meet residency requirements. 

The problem is, by retirement most Australians have several assets to their name, including owning their home outright. And that could affect how much you are paid.

Here’s everything you need to know about exactly what you can get in the Age Pension, and any asset limits.

How much can I get on the Age Pension?

Age Pension rates vary wildly for singles and couples. The payment also depends whether you meet income and assets tests, and whether or not you are a homeowner.

As of March this year, the Age Pension is a maximum payment of $1,100.30 per fortnight for singles and up to $829.40 per person for couples. This doesn’t include any additional potential supplement rates.

How much can I own in assets in retirement and still qualify?

As of last month, in order to receive the full Age Pension, single homeowners can own assets up to a value of $321,500 and non-homeowners can own assets up to $579,500 in retirement.

A couple combined can own up to $481,500 in total if they own a property, or $739,500 if they don’t.

But it’s still possible to receive a part pension if you earn over those limits.

Your assets can total up to $722,000 if you’re a single homeowner, and $980,000 if you’re a non-homeowner. You can’t get the full Age Pension, but you’re still entitled to some level of payment depending on where you fall between the two brackets. 

Couples are also entitled to a part-payment so long as their combined assets aren’t more than $1,085,000 for homeowners. Non-homeowners can own assets totalling up to $1,343,000.

If you’re in retirement and get Rent Assistance with your pension, your cut off point for a part pension is higher.

The post What assets can I own in retirement and still qualify for the Age Pension? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It has been an interesting month for ASX tech stocks.

After a sharp pullback due to artificial intelligence (AI) disruption fears, we are starting to see a rebound in April. Even so, a number of high-quality names are still trading well below their 52-week highs.

Here are three ASX tech stocks I think look like strong buys today.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is one of the clearest examples of how AI concerns can sometimes miss the bigger picture.

Rather than being disrupted by AI, the company is positioning itself to benefit from it. In its recent investor briefing, management highlighted that AI could significantly expand its total addressable market, with long-term potential to grow the SaaS opportunity by around 4 times.

What stands out to me is Xero’s role as a system of record for small business financial data.

That gives it a powerful foundation in an AI-driven world. Instead of competing with AI tools, it can integrate them directly into its platform to automate workflows, generate insights, and improve decision-making for customers.

We are already seeing early signs of this. More than two million subscribers are using Xero’s AI features, with measurable benefits such as time savings and improved productivity.

On top of that, the integration of Melio is opening up a significant US payments opportunity, which could drive stronger revenue growth and improved unit economics over time.

I think this looks like a business leaning into disruption rather than being threatened by it.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a very different kind of ASX tech stock, but I think the opportunity is just as compelling.

Its platform is where data, performance analytics, and sport meet. That might sound niche, but the underlying model is highly scalable.

One thing that stood out in its recent analyst day was the focus on recurring software revenue and expanding value per customer.

The company reported ACV growth of around 19% and retention above 95%, which points to strong customer engagement and stickiness.

What I like is the land and expand strategy. Catapult is increasingly selling multiple products to the same teams, which can significantly increase revenue per customer over time. This is important because multi-solution customers generate materially higher value.

Importantly, Catapult argues that AI will enhance its value proposition rather than replace it, because its proprietary data sits at the core of performance analytics. And you can’t build meaningful AI insights without high-quality underlying data.

For me, that data advantage is what could underpin its long-term growth.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder is another business that has faced pressure as investors reassess growth tech.

But stepping back, I think the core story remains intact. The ASX tech stock operates a global hotel distribution and booking platform, connecting accommodation providers with online travel agents and other channels. That network effect is difficult to replicate.

What I find attractive is how that platform can evolve. As hotels increasingly focus on direct bookings, pricing optimisation, and revenue management, SiteMinder is well placed to expand its product suite and monetisation opportunities.

While AI is often framed as a risk, I think it could actually strengthen this model. Better data and smarter tools can improve pricing decisions, occupancy rates, and customer targeting, all of which feed back into the platform.

In other words, the same technology that investors worry about could end up enhancing the value of SiteMinder’s ecosystem.

Foolish Takeaway

The recent pullback by ASX tech stocks has been driven in part by uncertainty around AI.

But when I look at Xero, Catapult, and SiteMinder, I see businesses that are adapting to that shift rather than being left behind, and that is why I think they look like strong long-term buys today.

The post Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are these the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 10 years?
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio
• How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000

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

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is one of the most appealing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) when it comes to capital growth, in my view.

It’s an offering from Vanguard, one of the world’s leading asset managers, and it aims to provide investments as cheaply as possible because investors are the owners themselves.

The VGS ETF is about investing in the global share market, with a focus on “major developed countries”, according to Vanguard.

This portfolio is truly diversified, with close to 1,300 holdings across various markets.

There are multiple countries with a weighting of at least 0.4% in the portfolio, including: the US, Japan, the UK, Canada, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Denmark.

However, diversification is not one of the reasons I’m optimistic about this ASX ETF helping us grow our wealth.

Great portfolio

Great long-term returns don’t happen by themselves – the VGS ETF has managed to return an average of 12.7% per year since its inception in November 2014. The portfolio holdings have delivered great returns for the fund.

I like that it automatically invests in large, strong businesses from around the world, whether that’s in North America, Europe, or elsewhere.

Businesses that regularly grow earnings will drive their underlying value higher. According to Vanguard, the current earnings growth rate of the fund’s portfolio is 21.3%.

When we look at the fund’s return on equity (ROE) ratio of 19.6%, that’s a great sign. Not only does it show high-quality performance, but it also suggests the level of profit return (growth) that these businesses could achieve on any additional retained earnings in the coming years.

I think the businesses inside the VGS ETF are compelling. We’re talking about names like Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Costco, Netflix, Intuitive Surgical, and plenty more.

The businesses in the portfolio are at the forefront of areas such as AI, chips, smartphones, online video, e-commerce, video gaming, device software, social media, online search, driverless cars, and so on.

With a global addressable market, I think they’re doing a great job at developing new products and services to help drive profit higher.

Low-cost management fees

Another advantage of this fund is its low management costs compared to those of an active fund manager. The lower the fees, the less of the return investors lose, which means stronger compounding over the long term.

The VGS ETF has an annual management fee of 0.18%. It’s not the cheapest ASX ETF, but considering the global nature of its portfolio, I’m very happy with that relatively small amount.

Small dividend yield

The final positive is that it has a low dividend yield.

When dividends are paid, there’s a good chance they’ll be taxed in the investor’s hands, depending on their tax situation. The lower the dividend yield, the less that’s lost to tax.

According to Vanguard, the VGS ETF dividend yield was 1.6% as of March 2026.

Capital growth isn’t taxed until the underlying asset is sold, so the VGS ETF may see less of its return lost to tax than an ASX ETF with a higher dividend yield (such as ASX share-focused ones, which do have higher dividend yields).

Overall, I believe it’s a great investment to own for the long term.

The post 3 reasons why the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is a great buy for wealth building appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Broadcom, Costco Wholesale, Intuitive Surgical, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, and Nvidia and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, 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.

I think building long-term income from shares comes back to reliability.

For me, that means focusing on businesses and assets that can generate steady cash flow across different conditions, with structures in place that support consistent distributions over time.

Here are four ASX dividend stocks I would trust for long-term income.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds Group offers a different kind of income exposure to what you usually find on the share market.

It owns agricultural assets, such as farms and water infrastructure, which it leases to operators. That structure creates a relatively predictable rental income stream, supported by long-term agreements.

What I like is the duration of those leases. The portfolio has a weighted average lease expiry of over 13 years, with many leases structured on a triple-net basis, meaning tenants cover most operating costs.

That combination helps create visibility over income, while also providing some protection against inflation through lease indexation.

For me, it is a way to gain exposure to agricultural assets without needing to manage them directly, while still benefiting from a steady income profile.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is built around convenience.

Its portfolio focuses on properties anchored by essential retail, such as supermarkets and other services people use regularly.

What I find appealing is how that translates into performance. The REIT has maintained occupancy and rent collection rates above 99% since listing, which I think highlights the consistency of demand across its assets.

The ASX dividend stock also has a pipeline of development opportunities, which provides a pathway for income growth alongside its existing portfolio.

That mix of stability and gradual expansion is what makes it appealing to me from an income perspective.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group sits at the centre of Australia’s energy infrastructure.

It owns and operates pipelines and energy assets that are essential to the delivery of gas and electricity across the country.

What I like most is the nature of its revenue. Much of it is linked to long-term contracts and inflation, which help provide a stable, growing cash flow base. That can support dividends over time.

The company has also reaffirmed its dividend guidance, with expectations of around 58 cents per share for FY26. This represents a dividend yield of almost 6% at the current share price.

For me, this ASX dividend stock represents a more traditional infrastructure-style income investment, backed by assets that are difficult to replace.

NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF)

NIB Holdings adds a different dimension to an income portfolio.

As a health insurer, it generates revenue from premiums, which creates a recurring income stream tied to its growing customer base.

What I find interesting is how the business has been improving efficiency. Its recent half-year results show a reduction in expense ratios and strong underlying operating profit growth, which reflects disciplined execution and scale benefits.

At the same time, the company continues to pay fully-franked dividends, including a 13-cent per share interim dividend last month.

That combination of operational improvements and consistent payouts makes it an appealing addition for long-term income.

Foolish Takeaway

Reliable income often comes from assets and businesses that people depend on.

Rural Funds Group benefits from long-term agricultural leases, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT generates income from essential retail properties, APA Group provides infrastructure-backed cash flow, and NIB delivers recurring income through health insurance.

They each approach income differently, but I think all four ASX dividend stocks offer the kind of stability that can support long-term passive income.

The post The ASX dividend stocks I’d trust for long-term income 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, NIB Holdings, and Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.