Investing in ASX blue-chip shares can be a very good strategy because of the strength and stability they provide.
But, I only think it's a good idea to buy a blue-cihp when that business is growing its profit over time, which is why US blue chips have been such strong investments over the last 15 years.
Although we don't have any global tech giants on the ASX, I think there are a few ASX blue-chip shares that still have a compelling future. I usually mention Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) in an article like this, but I'm going to look at three of the other businesses I like. I'd happily put $3,000 across the three of them.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
This ASX financial share is one of the biggest institutions listed in Australia. I like the diversification that the business provides because it has four different segments: investment banking (Macquarie Capital), asset management (Macquarie Asset Management (MAM)), commodities and global markets (CGM) and banking and financial services (BFS).
The company has a global earnings base, but I'm particularly excited about local earnings because of the BFS division's growth.
Macquarie is capturing savers with the no-rules savings account that offers a good interest rate, while borrowers are attracted to a competitive interest rate with rapid approvals, which appeal to mortgage brokers and their clients.
In the FY26 first-half result, the financial business reported its home loan portfolio had grown 13% since 31 March 2025 – a very strong annualised result. It now has 6.5% of the Australian market, with growth driven by the broker channel with "technology investment enabling market-leading turnaround times". It has significantly higher customer satisfaction than its big bank rivals.
BFS deposits grew 12% since 31 March 2025 to $192.5 billion, with growth driven by "market-leading digital banking experiences".
If it continues growing its loan book and deposits at that pace, it has a compelling future ahead.
Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)
Coles is another ASX blue-chip share worth owning, in my view. Not only does it have defensive earnings, but it's also growing at a much stronger pace than rival Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
In the first quarter of FY26, Coles reported total sales growth of 3.9%, with supermarket sales excluding tobacco growing by 7%, which is a very impressive growth rate for such a large business.
Coles said this growth is down to its focus on ensuring its range and value offering continues to resonate with customers, coupled with further improvements in availability and strong e-commerce sales growth. The company said that the customer experienced improvement across all key metrics in the FY26 first quarter, including availability, quality and price.
For this defensive business, it's only trading at 24x FY26's estimated earnings, according to the projection on Commsec.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
Wesfarmers has regularly impressed me over the years. In particular, i'm drawn to its ability to focus on the long-term for shareholders, generating profitable growth. Bunnings and Kmart are two wonderful examples of how to provide customers with a compelling retail offering and fend off competition.
The company is willing to make big calls with its business portfolio for the long-term benefit of its earnings and balance sheet, such as the decisions to divest Coles and diversify into healthcare and lithium mining. In ten years, the Wesfarmers earnings 'pie' could look quite different, but I think it will continue to be a compelling ASX blue-chip share to own for many years.
