It has been a volatile start to the year for Australian shares.
The ASX has already delivered a mix of strong performers and sharp pullbacks. Some sectors look fully valued, while others have become more attractive after recent weakness.
If I had $5,000 to put to work for the remainder of 2026, I'd be thinking about spreading it across a few businesses with different growth drivers rather than relying on a single idea.
Here's where I'd be looking.
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ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)
ResMed is a business I rate highly. Its core focus on sleep apnoea and respiratory care gives it exposure to a large and growing global market. Demand is being supported by ageing populations, rising awareness of sleep health, and increasing diagnosis rates.
There have been concerns around newer weight-loss drugs and their potential impact on demand. But management has made it clear that these treatments are unlikely to eliminate the need for sleep therapy.
What stands out to me is how consistently the company has executed over time. It continues to invest in digital health platforms, expand its product range, and grow its global footprint.
After a period of share price weakness, I think this Australian share offers a compelling long-term growth opportunity.
Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)
Netwealth is one of the clearest beneficiaries of a structural shift in financial services.
More Australians are moving toward platform-based investing and seeking professional financial advice. That trend has been driving strong inflows for high-quality providers.
Netwealth has built a reputation for its technology, user experience, and ability to attract advisers. As funds under administration continue to grow, the business benefits from operating leverage, which supports earnings growth.
The opportunity here isn't about a single year. It's about a long runway as the wealth management industry continues to evolve. For the rest of 2026 and beyond, I think it remains well positioned to keep taking market share.
Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)
Breville offers something a little different. It's a consumer brand with global ambitions.
The company has built a strong position in premium kitchen appliances, particularly in coffee machines. But the real story is its expansion into international markets.
North America and Europe continue to present significant growth opportunities, and Breville has been steadily building brand recognition outside Australia, especially in the coffee vertical.
There may be some short-term pressures from costs and global trade dynamics, but the long-term opportunity looks intact.
If execution continues, I think Breville has the potential to deliver solid growth over the coming years.
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
No Australian portfolio feels complete without some exposure to mining.
BHP offers that exposure, but with a clear tilt toward future-facing commodities. Copper is now its largest earnings contributor, and demand for the metal is expected to grow as electrification and renewable energy investment accelerate.
On top of that, its Jansen potash project in Canada adds another long-term growth driver. Potash demand is linked to global food production, which is a structural trend that should play out over decades.
BHP also provides income through dividends, which can help smooth returns during more volatile periods.
While commodity prices will always move in cycles, I think BHP remains a strong core holding.
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)
REA is one of those businesses that quietly dominates its market.
Its realestate.com.au platform is deeply embedded in Australia's property ecosystem. Agents rely on it, buyers use it, and vendors ultimately fund it through listing fees.
Even when property markets slow, REA has historically found ways to grow through pricing, premium products, and increased engagement.
It's a high-quality, high-margin business with a strong competitive position. While this Australian share is rarely cheap, I think it's the type of company that can keep compounding over long periods.
Foolish takeaway
There's no single perfect way to invest $5,000. But spreading it across a mix of high-quality businesses with different growth drivers can help balance risk while still providing strong upside potential.
ResMed offers global healthcare growth, Netwealth is benefiting from structural industry shifts, Breville brings international consumer expansion, BHP provides resources exposure, and REA adds a dominant digital platform.
