With the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down about 5.4% from its October record highs, it's arguably a good time to reassess the markets as we approach the end of 2025 and look for some of the best stocks available to invest in.
It's still hard to call the ASX cheap as a whole, despite this dip. But it's what we have right now, so we may as well work with it.
If I had $1,000 to invest in this market today, there are two best ASX stocks I would probably go for. Neither are screaming buys, but both are still trading at reasonable valuations for a long-term investor. At least in my view. Let's dive in.
2 of the ASX's best stocks to buy with $1,000 today
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
First up, we have Wesfarmers. Wesfarmers is the name behind some of the most successful retailers in the country, including OfficeWorks, Kmart and Bunnings. Wesfarmers also owns a sprawl of other businesses though, ranging from Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) to the Priceline pharmacy chain.
I like this company as a long-term investment because of this inherent diversification, as well as Wesfarmers' decades-long track record of delivering results for its shareholders. It has prudently managed its underlying companies with aplomb, delivering meaningful capital growth over many years. It has also been a star in the dividend department, consistently raising its fully franked payouts over time.
At just over $80 a share today, I wouldn't call this stock particularly cheap. But it's a lot better than the $95 we were seeing just a few months ago. If you're stuck for a place to put $1,000 right now, you could do worse than this conglomerate.
MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)
Next up, we have the listed investment company (LIC) MFF Capital. Like most LICs, MFF owns and manages a portfolio of underlying investments on behalf of its shareholders.
In this case, those investments are some of the best stocks from the United States. MFF follows a Warren Buffett-inspired playbook of buying high-quality stocks at prices that make sense, and holding them through thick and thin. Some of its longest-held positions include Amazon, Alphabet, Visa, American Express and Mastercard. All have been in the MFF portfolio for years.
This week, MFF told the market that its portfolio was worth $5.30 per share on a pre-tax basis. Yet you can buy its shares for $4.81 each at recent pricing. Given this LIC's impressive performance and savvy investment strategy, I think it is one of the best stocks on the ASX. I would be happy to put $1,000 in it today.
