Buying your first few ASX shares can feel overwhelming when there are thousands of companies to choose from.
For a beginner, I would keep things fairly simple and focus on established businesses that are easy to understand and have strong long-term prospects.
These five would be high on my list.
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Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
Macquarie would be one of the first shares I would consider.
The company operates across areas including asset management, infrastructure, commodities, financial markets, banking, and advisory.
For a beginner, I think that provides an interesting introduction to a financial business that looks quite different from the major Australian banks.
Macquarie earns money from managing assets for clients, helping businesses manage commodity and financial risks, lending, and providing other financial services around the world.
That gives the company several ways to grow as its operations expand.
Earnings can move around from year to year, so I would not expect a perfectly smooth ride. But for someone investing with a long-term view, I think Macquarie is a high-quality business with plenty of opportunity still ahead of it.
Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)
Woolworths is another ASX share I think beginners should consider.
Most Australians are familiar with its supermarkets and the role they play in everyday spending.
Grocery demand is also fairly dependable. People may cut back on discretionary purchases when budgets become tighter, but they still need food and household essentials.
I think Woolworths also has opportunities to grow through population growth, online shopping, and continued improvements across its stores and supply chain.
The company pays dividends as well, which can give new investors another way to see how owning shares can generate returns over time.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Telstra would add a more defensive element.
Mobile phones and internet connections have become essential services for households and businesses, giving Telstra recurring demand through different economic conditions.
The company has also made sustainable dividend growth an important part of its plans.
I would not expect Telstra to deliver spectacular growth every year. But I think there is value in owning a business with dependable demand, established infrastructure, and regular cash returns to shareholders.
ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)
ResMed would give beginners stronger growth potential.
The company develops devices, masks, and software for sleep apnoea and respiratory care.
I like how large the opportunity remains. Sleep apnoea is significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated globally, leaving ResMed with plenty of potential patients still to reach.
There is also recurring demand after someone begins treatment because masks and other accessories need replacing over time.
For a beginner, I think ResMed offers a good introduction to owning an ASX share with a genuinely global business.
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
BHP would round out my five picks.
The mining giant gives investors exposure to commodities including iron ore and copper, which remain important to construction, manufacturing, electrification, and infrastructure.
BHP's earnings can change significantly as commodity prices move, which is worth understanding before investing.
At the same time, its scale, strong balance sheet, and long-life assets make it one of the more established ways to gain exposure to the resources sector.
The company can also return substantial cash to shareholders when conditions are strong.
Foolish takeaway
I think all five companies give beginners something different to learn about investing.
Macquarie provides exposure to global financial markets, Woolworths and Telstra have businesses built around regular household demand, ResMed brings international healthcare growth, and BHP introduces the commodity cycle.
For someone researching their first few ASX shares, I think each is a sensible place to start.
