Where I'd invest $20,000 into ASX shares right now

I'd happily invest $20,000 in an instant with these shares…

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Key points
  • After recent volatility, ASX shares present a great investment opportunity with some top companies trading at more attractive valuations.
  • Prominent picks include TechnologyOne Ltd, MFF Capital Investments Ltd, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Temple & Webster Group Ltd, each showing strong growth potential and strategic advantages.
  • There are a number of positives including robust revenue growth, promising portfolios, strategic investments in technology, and enduring economic moats as key factors for potential future success in these ASX shares.

I think it's a great time to invest in ASX shares after a recent bout of volatility. Some of the best investments are trading more cheaply.

The best businesses don't often become cheap, but I believe it's always a good time to invest in companies with strong economic moats, even if they still don't appear good value.

If I had $20,000 to invest in ASX shares, I'd happily invest in the four in this article in a heartbeat. I did recently put money into the first three and I have an intention to buy more of the fourth stock of my list, if the valuation stays as appealing.

Rocket going up above mountains, symbolising a record high.

Image source: Getty Images

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The enterprise resource planning (ERP) software business has fallen 23% in the last month alone, despite reporting a strong level of growth in its recent result.

FY25 saw revenue rise 18% and profit before tax (PBT) growth of 19%. The company continues to unlock at least 15% revenue growth from its existing client base each year by investing significantly in its software for customers.

By growing revenue at 15% per year, it can double its top line within five years, which is a strong growth rate. If the company continues winning new customers in the UK, it'll continue to be on a very pleasing path.

According to the forecast on CMC Markets, the ASX share is trading at 58x FY26's estimated earnings.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

This is best known as a listed investment company (LIC) that focuses on investing in high-quality international shares. Its portfolio includes Alphabet, Mastercard, Visa, Meta Platforms, Amazon and Microsoft.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, but according to CMC Markets, it has delivered an average return per year of 15.8% over the last five years.

Aside from the growing dividend, one of the most appealing aspects of this investment is that it's usually trading at a 10% discount to its underlying net tangible asset (NTA) value. Who doesn't like buying a piece of great businesses at a double-digit percentage discount?

MFF is one of my biggest holdings and I'm even more optimistic on the ASX share after its recent acquisition of the funds management business Montaka.  

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) was one of my latest investments and I'm glad that it's now part of my portfolio.

I really like the investment strategy of this fund and it gives me exposure to shares I wouldn't own a small piece of otherwise.

It invests in US shares that are seen as having economic moats (competitive advantages) that are expected to endure for at least two decades, allowing the business to generate strong profits. Additionally, the fund only buys when those businesses are trading at attractive value.

Past returns are not a guarantee of future returns, but I think it can continue its long-term track record of net returns in the mid-teens.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price has fallen heavily – 31% at the time of writing – since the ASX share's AGM trading update which showed sales growth had slowed in the last few months.

But, I'm expecting ongoing double-digit sales growth to enable the business to become much larger and unlock strong operating leverage.

The company is investing in technology and AI to improve its costs, boost the customer experience and deliver stronger conversion.

If its core offering continues growing, combined with impressive home improvement and trade and commercial sales, its future looks positive. I hope to buy more shares of this great business in the coming weeks if the valuation stays at this level (or goes lower).

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Meta Platforms, Mff Capital Investments, Microsoft, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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