Term deposits can provide investors with certain positives, such as capital protection and a certain level of interest return. But, S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are much appealing to me for a variety of reasons.
I'm not calling every single ASX 200 share a better buy than a term deposit today, but there are plenty that I'd say are a better buy.
In this article, I'm going to highlight two defensive ASX 200 shares that offer what I'm looking for that term deposits can't measure up to.
Earnings and capital growth
While term deposits limit the downside, that also means there's no potential gains beyond the passive income on offer.
Businesses are capable of growing their earnings, which can increase how much investors are willing to pay for the business. That's essentially how businesses sustainably deliver long-term capital growth over time.
The real estate investment trusts (REITs) Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) and Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP). They own portfolios of commercial properties across Australia's cities.
Both businesses are generating pleasing rental growth for investors. Both of the REITs I mentioned have rental growth contracted in their leases. Some of the rental income has fixed annual increases and the other rental income increases are linked to inflation.
While rental growth is not typically dramatically strong, both ASX 200 shares are benefiting from tailwinds for their industrial properties such as e-commerce adoption and data centres. These properties are seeing a stronger growth rate than other property sectors.
Rental earnings growth can also help drive the underlying value of the properties higher.
Stronger yield
Following RBA cash rate cuts, the interest rate offered by term deposits is not as appealing as it was a year ago.
Every ASX 200 share has a specific dividend yield and sometimes the payout isn't very high because of a relatively low dividend payout ratio and/or a relatively high price/earnings (P/E) ratio.
But, the two REITs I'm highlighting both offer very appealing levels of passive income for investors.
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT expects to pay investors a distribution of 25.5 cents per security in FY26, which translates into a forward distribution yield of close to 6%.
Meanwhile, Centuria Industrial REIT expects to pay a distribution per security of 16.8 cents. That translates into a forward distribution yield of close to 5%.
Passive income growth
As I mentioned earlier, ASX 200 shares can generate earnings growth. When that happens, those businesses can grow their payouts if they maintain a similar (or more generous) dividend payout ratio.
Term deposit income doesn't organically grow, whereas businesses can hike their payouts.
I've already told you about the REITs' expected payouts and yields, but I didn't mention how much the passive income is expected to grow.
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT's FY26 payout is expected to be 2% higher than the FY25 payment. Considering the defensive nature of the business, I think that's a solid level of passive income growth.
Turning to Centuria Industrial REIT, its guided payout is forecast to increase by 3% year-over-year.
Overall, I'd say these two REITs have a lot to offer investors looking for income and defensive earnings.
