How I'd invest $10,000 in ASX shares for the next decade

A decade is a long time, which is why I would focus on businesses built for more than the next market cycle.

A $10,000 investment can feel like a big decision.

That is why I think it helps to focus on businesses that can still look relevant many years from now.

Share prices will move around. Market sentiment will change. But over a decade, I want to own companies with strong positions, good leadership, and the ability to keep reinvesting for growth.

Three ASX shares I would consider buying with $10,000 are named below.

A happy team of businesspeople stand in a corporate office.

Image source: Getty Images

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is one of the ASX shares I would be comfortable owning for the long term.

The company is often described as the owner of Bunnings and Kmart, which is true, but I think the bigger story is its culture and capital allocation.

Wesfarmers has a long record of building strong retail businesses, improving them over time, and moving capital into areas where it sees attractive returns.

Bunnings remains a dominant home improvement business, and Kmart has become a powerful value retailer. The company also has exposure to office products, health, data, digital initiatives, loyalty, and other growth options. That mix gives Wesfarmers more than one way to create value.

The valuation can look expensive at times, and I would always prefer to buy during a pullback. But with a decade-long mindset, I think quality deserves a premium.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is another ASX share I would want in a long-term portfolio.

The company operates in sleep health and respiratory care, areas supported by significant global healthcare needs.

I like that ResMed is connected to both devices and ongoing patient support. Machines are important, but masks, accessories, software, data, and connected care can help create recurring revenue over time.

Sleep apnoea also remains underdiagnosed in many markets. If more people are tested and treated, ResMed has a long runway for growth.

Healthcare shares can go through difficult periods, and ResMed has faced investor concerns around competition and changing treatment options. But I think the long-term demand for better sleep and breathing care remains attractive.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is a very different kind of business. It is exposed to global financial markets, infrastructure, commodities, energy transition, asset management, and private markets. That means earnings can be lumpy from year to year.

I like that Macquarie has shown an ability to adapt as markets change. It has built a global platform across areas where expertise, relationships, and capital matter.

The world needs ongoing investment in infrastructure, energy systems, data centres, transport, and other real assets. Macquarie is positioned to play a role in many of those areas.

I would not expect smooth returns every year. But over a decade, I think Macquarie has the potential to keep finding attractive opportunities.

Foolish Takeaway

If I were investing $10,000 for the next decade, I would focus on businesses that can keep compounding through different conditions.

Wesfarmers brings retail discipline and capital allocation; ResMed provides exposure to global healthcare demand; and Macquarie adds a more flexible financial and infrastructure growth angle.

Together, I think they would give me a mix of quality, resilience, and long-term opportunity, which is what I believe a 10-year ASX portfolio needs.

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group and Wesfarmers. 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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