Some people think the stock market is a big gamble.
Who knows, they could be right…
However what they probably don't know is the Australian stock market has returned, on average, 12% per annum since January 1900. 12% is a great return, no matter what anyone says.
At those rates, in just 10 short years and with profits reinvested, $100,000 turns into $310,000.
Now, that sounds very simple. And it is. But it's not easy.
In fact, many people fail to beat the market for all manner of different reasons.
Then again, some people do in fact beat it. Convincingly too.
5 stocks to retire on
Even if you don't enjoy investing or are unwilling to put a majority of your money in the stock market, it's important to have some exposure.
Here are five companies I'd gladly buy for my retirement portfolio, if I planned on hanging up my boots in 10 years' time…
1. Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) shares have performed poorly in 2014, down 28% so far. No doubt the company's management team has an uphill battle if they want to return the company to sustainable profit growth. However, in a few years' time, the current price could look like a real bargain if they deliver.
2. Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) is Australia's leading personal injury law firm. The company recently begun an expansion in the UK, a market which is five times larger than ours and unconsolidated. At current prices, it presents a great long-term buy and hold.
3. Senex Energy Ltd (ASX: SXY) is an onshore oil and gas producer in Australia's Cooper Basin. The company does not pay a dividend and its share price has fallen 23% in the past three months. In my opinion this has created a sound buying opportunity for long-term investors, who will benefit from the company's rising production profile.
4. Collection House Limited (ASX: CLH) is a $270 million receivables management company with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. It might be small but earnings are stable and it pays a modest but growing 4.1% dividend, fully franked.
5. Hills Ltd (ASX: HIL) is a surprisingly impressive dividend stock idea for long-term investors to consider. Hills has recently completed a transformation from a loss-making steel business to technology provider for the security and healthcare sectors. Analysts are forecasting a 5.6% fully franked dividend in the next year.
Our #1 ASX stock for 2015 – Yours FREE!
