Investing in ASX stocks is typically a great way to build wealth over the long term. However, with some uncertainty about what could happen in the foreseeable future with trade tariffs and so on and share markets close to record highs, I'd be somewhat selective about what to buy.
I think it's best not to try to predict how the economy or share market will perform over shorter periods of time. But we can still choose investments that we believe are best placed to succeed.
I'm focusing on quality businesses with a compelling future, whether the economy is booming or there are ongoing financial challenges. If I had $5,000 to invest, the two ASX investments below would appeal to me. In fact, I recently invested in both of them, and I'm planning to buy more this year.
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VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)
This exchange-traded fund (ETF) focuses purely on owning the highest-quality businesses worldwide. This strategy means the fund has a lot of underlying diversification with its holdings from various countries.
I view these 300 companies in the portfolio as some of the best in the world because they tick multiple 'quality' boxes. The stocks in the QUAL ETF have a high return on equity (ROE), earnings stability and low financial leverage.
What this means is that the companies make a lot of profit for how much shareholder money is retained in the businesses, the profit generation is usually resilient and growing, and their balance sheets have pleasingly low levels of debt.
These seem to be some of the strongest and most reliable businesses. That doesn't mean their share prices won't fall, but they could perform better than 'riskier' businesses.
Over the past 10 years, the QUAL ETF has returned an average return per annum of 15.6%. I'm not expecting the next 10 years to be as good, but the underlying fundamentals are appealing with this ASX ETF's portfolio for future returns.
Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW)
It has been a rough period recently for ASX stocks related to construction because of the reduced activity and lower demand for building products.
Brickworks is the leading supplier of bricks in Australia and a major player in roofing, masonry, and other building products. I don't know when the construction industry will noticeably recover — it could take longer than this year — but it'd be a mistake to think conditions will stay this weak forever.
I'm also excited by the potential of the ASX share's industrial property assets. Brickworks owns half of an industrial property trust that owns multiple business estates in Australia's major cities. Large advanced warehouses have been built for major tenants like Amazon and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).
The rental and capital value of that real estate is benefiting from tailwinds, including the growing adoption of e-commerce, data centre demand and a rising population.
Brickworks expects significant rental income growth in the coming years as more warehouses are completed, adding to the property trust's already impressive portfolio.
I believe Brickworks shares are undervalued and could significantly benefit from any RBA interest rate cuts this year.
