Putting a lump sum to work in the market can feel a little daunting. There are thousands of listed companies on the ASX and plenty of different strategies investors can follow.
If I had $20,000 to invest right now, I would look to spread the money across a handful of businesses operating in different industries.
That way, the portfolio isn't overly dependent on any single company or sector.
Here are five ASX shares I would consider for a $20,000 portfolio today.
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Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)
Netwealth is one of the standout wealth platform businesses on the ASX.
The company provides a platform used by financial advisers to manage client investments, reporting, and administration. As the advice industry continues to shift toward more modern, flexible platforms, Netwealth has been steadily gaining market share.
Funds under administration on the platform have grown strongly over the past decade as advisers move client portfolios across.
What I like about this business is the scalability of the model. As more funds flow onto the platform, Netwealth's revenue base expands without the company needing to increase costs at the same pace.
With the structural growth of financial advice and retirement savings in Australia, I think Netwealth remains well-positioned for long-term expansion.
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)
The buy now, pay later sector has been through a difficult period over the past few years as interest rates rose and investors questioned the sustainability of some business models.
However, Zip has proven the doubters wrong, successfully reshaping its business, improving credit quality, tightening costs, and strengthening profitability.
If the company continues executing well and maintains discipline around lending, I think there is potential for sentiment around the business to improve significantly from here.
For investors willing to accept some volatility, Zip could offer meaningful upside if its strong performance continues.
Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)
Another ASX share I would invest some of the $20,000 in is Temple & Webster. It is one of Australia's leading online furniture and homewares retailers.
The company operates an asset-light model, enabling it to offer a wide range of products without carrying large inventory levels. That structure gives the business flexibility and scalability as it grows.
What stands out to me is the strength of the brand the company has built in online furniture retail.
While consumer spending in discretionary categories can fluctuate with economic conditions, Temple & Webster has continued to invest in its platform, data capabilities, and customer experience.
If online penetration in furniture retail continues increasing over time, Temple & Webster could remain a major beneficiary of that shift.
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)
Lovisa has quietly become one of the most impressive retail growth shares on the ASX.
The jewellery retailer operates a fast-fashion model and has been expanding aggressively across international markets. New store openings have been a major driver of growth as the brand continues entering new regions.
What makes the business appealing to me is the simplicity and scalability of its model. Lovisa has proven that it can replicate its store concept across different countries while maintaining strong margins.
If management continues executing its global store rollout strategy successfully, the company could still have a very long runway for growth.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
Wesfarmers plays a different role in the portfolio.
While the other ASX shares on this list lean more toward growth, Wesfarmers provides exposure to a high-quality conglomerate with a strong track record of capital allocation.
The company owns a collection of businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks, which together generate substantial cash flow.
What I particularly like about Wesfarmers is management's disciplined approach to investing and returning capital to shareholders.
For a long-term portfolio, I think it provides a good balance to some of the higher-growth names.
Foolish Takeaway
If I were investing $20,000 in the ASX shares today, I would want a mix of growth opportunities and established businesses.
Netwealth, Zip, Temple & Webster, and Lovisa offer exposure to different growth themes across financial platforms, fintech, e-commerce, and global retail.
Adding a quality company like Wesfarmers helps balance the portfolio with a business that has a long track record of delivering steady returns.
Together, I think these five ASX shares could form the foundation of a diversified portfolio with the potential to grow over time.
