Here, three experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let's see what they have to say.  

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is $266.27, down 0.3% today and up 23% over 12 months. 

Dylan Evans from Catapult Wealth has a buy rating on this ASX 200 bank share. 

Evans said (courtesy The Bull): 

Growth potential for the big four banks is likely to come under pressure from moderating house prices and investment loan demand. We see MQG as a compelling alternative in this environment due to Macquarie's more varied business mix.

Macquarie offers a global range of services that includes investment banking and asset management, which should enable it to offer solid growth even in a slowing retail banking environment.

Macquarie's commodity and markets business can also benefit from market volatility, a useful trait in what is likely to be an uncertain period given the conflict in Iran.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $18.43, up 1.3% today and down 0.8% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter upgraded the ASX 200 mining share from a sell to a hold call after Fortescue's June quarter report.

Analyst David Coates said:  

FMG's core iron ore operations continue to perform very well and benefit from an elevated iron ore price.

However, higher costs, broad input cost inflation, a subdued iron ore price outlook and potential impacts to price realisation all put pressure on our earnings and dividend forecasts.

We lift our rating to Hold from Sell on recent share price depreciation but do not yet see the positive catalysts to re-enter the stock.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price is $10.69, up 0.8% today and down 3% over 12 months. 

Mark Gardner from MPC Markets has a sell rating on this ASX 200 airline share. 

Gardner said (courtesy The Bull): 

The airline giant is exposed to volatile jet fuel prices in response to the Middle East conflict.

Although QAN hedged about 90 per cent of its exposure to crude oil prices in the second half of 2026, it was exposed to movements in jet refining margins.

Qantas announced in April that jet refining margins had increased from $US20 a barrel in February to a peak of around $US120 a barrel. The company announced capacity adjustments and fare increases to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Higher fares may impact demand. We would be inclined to sell into strength.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Macquarie, Fortescue, Qantas shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Your superannuation offers the opportunity to receive concessional tax treatment, and you get the chance to grow your balance through the power of compounding.

Once you retire and move into the pension phase, your super can also provide a regular stream of passive income.

But how much superannuation do you need to accumulate to generate a passive income high enough to live comfortably on? 

Here's a breakdown, using a target of $8,000 a month in passive income as an example.

How much do I need in my superannuation to get a $8,000 monthly passive income?

First you need to work out what $8,000 per month translates to over the year.

So, $8,000 x 12 = $96,000.

Then you'll need to divide your annual passive income ($96,000) by the dividend yield of your overall portfolio. 

For example, $96,000 ÷ 3% = $3.2 million (that's the superannuation portfolio size you'd need).

The trick is that the answer varies significantly depending on the dividend yield of your portfolio.

For example, a superannuation portfolio with a dividend yield of around 6% only needs to be around half the size of one with a dividend yield of around 3% to generate the same level of passive income.

Ok, so what balance do I need for a portfolio yielding 4%, 5% and 6%?

Say your overall portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield of around 4%, you'll need a balance of around $2.4 million to earn the same $96,000 per year (equivalent to $8,000 per month) in passive income. That looks like: $96,000 ÷ 4% = $2.4 million.

Then, if the yield of your portfolio is around 5%, your superannuation balance would need to be closer to $1.9 million to earn the same dividend income.

For a 6% yielding portfolio, you'd need a balance of closer to $1.6 million to earn the same amount.

And so on…

Note that most ASX dividend shares pay dividends on a semi-annual or yearly basis. This means that while you could target the equivalent of $8,000 per month in passive income, you won't actually receive the money on a month-by-month basis, but instead in a lump sum.

What ASX shares can I buy that yield 3-6%?

There are a huge number of ASX dividend shares available for superannuation investment. 

Here are some of my favourites.

For ASX shares yielding around 3% I'd pick large-cap blue-chips like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

ASX shares yielding around 4% would be something like banking giants National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) or ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), or Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK).

For 5% yielding ASX shares, my picks would be Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL), TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) or Servcorp Ltd (ASX: SRV).

And then for 6% yielding options, I'd opt for something like Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), or Dexus (ASX: DXS).

The post How much superannuation is needed to target $8,000 per month in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here is how I would approach it.

Make sure an SMSF is worthwhile

An SMSF provides greater control over where retirement savings are invested. However, trustees also take responsibility for the fund's administration and compliance.

This includes arranging the accounts, tax return, independent audit, and investment strategy. Moneysmart notes that an SMSF can cost more to operate than an industry or retail super fund.

A larger balance can make fixed administration costs easier to absorb. But I would still want a clear reason for choosing an SMSF, such as greater investment control, and confidence that I could manage the ongoing responsibilities.

Keep adding money

Regular contributions can accelerate the journey towards $500,000, particularly during the early years when the investment balance is still growing.

The concessional contribution cap is currently $32,500, while the non-concessional cap is $130,000. Employer contributions count towards the concessional limit, so investors should check how much has already entered their super before adding more.

For example, someone starting with $100,000 who contributes $20,000 at the end of each year and earns an average return of 8% would have over $500,000 after 10 years.

Investment returns will vary from year to year, but this example shows how regular contributions and long-term compounding can work together to build a much larger balance.

Which ASX shares would I buy for an SMSF?

I would look for quality businesses that can grow over many years while providing exposure to different parts of the economy.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) would be one of my first choices. Its retail, health, industrial, data, and lithium interests give the company several ways to grow. I also rate its history of disciplined capital allocation, which is particularly valuable when investing retirement savings for the long term.

I would also consider Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). Its asset management, banking, commodities, and financial markets operations provide exposure to global growth rather than relying entirely on the Australian economy. I think Macquarie's ability to adapt and invest across changing market conditions could support strong returns over a long holding period.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) could add another source of growth. The company owns and develops logistics properties and data centres in major global cities. Its access to land, power, and capital has positioned it to benefit as demand for digital infrastructure increases.

I would balance those growth businesses with a more defensive company such as Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) or Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Demand for groceries should remain relatively steady across economic conditions, while its investments in automation, online shopping, and supply chain efficiency could support earnings and dividends over time.

These are five examples I would be comfortable owning in an SMSF with a long investment horizon. The final mix would depend on the fund's investment strategy and how much exposure it already had to each sector.

Foolish takeaway

There are many possible paths to a $500,000 SMSF, and the right investment mix will depend on the member's age, goals, and tolerance for market falls.

For me, the foundations would be regular contributions, broad diversification, reasonable fees, and a long investment horizon.

I believe a portfolio built around these principles could give compounding the time and capital needed to produce a substantial retirement balance.

The post How to build a $500,000 self-managed superannuation fund appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the investment bank's shares are up around 0.5% and changing hands at an all-time high of $264.27 a piece.

Today's increase means the shares have risen over 6% in the past week and are 30% higher year to date. Compared to this time last year, Macquarie shares are now up 23%.

Why is everyone buying Macquarie Group shares this week?

There isn't any price-sensitive news out of the ASX bank stock to explain the latest increase. Instead, it looks like a mixture of recent tailwinds and improving market sentiment.

Through most of the year so far, the investment bank has performed strongly, rallying strongly in April and sitting close to today's all-time high.

In late July, the company had its AGM, posted its first-quarter FY27 update, and announced that CEO Shemara Wikramanayake will retire in November, with Greg Ward to take over the top job.

Macquarie described trading conditions during the first quarter as "satisfactory". Its Banking and Financial Services segment increased its profit contribution compared with the same period last year. Deposits rose by 4% during the quarter, while home loans grew by 6% and business banking loans increased by 3%.

The news came on the back of the company's positive earnings results back in May. At the time, Macquarie reported a full-year FY26 net profit of $4.85 billion, up 30% from FY25, and growth across all four of its operating divisions.

The rally of good news has clearly been well-received by the market. Analysts have begun revising their outlook on the shares, and investors have started snapping up the stock ahead of an expected surge.

What do the experts tip for Macquarie's shares over the next 12 months?

Analysts are pretty optimistic about the outlook for Macquarie over the next year. But now the shares have reached a fresh all-time high, it's unclear exactly how much higher they could go. 

Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on the shares. The $268.89 average target price implies a potential 2% upside at the time of writing. 

TradingView data shows the majority (nine out of 15) also have a buy/strong buy rating on the shares. But the average $262.80 target price now implies a potential 1% downside ahead. 

However, the range between the highest and lowest is huge. Some expect the shares to climb another 10% to $290.40, while others think they could drop 17% to $220.75 at the time of writing.

The team at Catapult Wealth have a buy rating on the investment bank. The wealth management company thinks Macquarie shares are a good alternative to the big four banks in the current environment.

Jarden has a buy rating on Macquarie shares, but thinks the stock is now fully priced. It has a price target of $250, below the current share price.

Morgans also thinks the shares are fully valued. The broker has a hold rating and a $255 target price. It said that Macquarie is a quality franchise and a proven performer, but is overvalued.

The post Why is everyone buying Macquarie Group shares this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Since then, the index has tumbled almost 30% as investors sold off their ASX gold shares.

Today, the gold price is US$4,049 per ounce, well off its record high of US$5,589 per ounce on 28 January.

Amid this uninspiring picture, analysts say these ASX 200 gold shares are still good buys today.

Here's why.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

Capricorn Metals shares are up 2.8% to $13.15 today, and up 45% over 12 months.

Bell Potter reaffirmed its buy rating after the company released its June quarter report.

The broker increased its 12-month target on the ASX 200 gold share from $16.70 to $17.80.

This suggests a potential 35% upside ahead.

Analyst David Coates said:

CMM is a sector leading gold producer, unhedged and debt free. It is fully funded to grow production from ~120kozpa to +400kozpa from two gold mines in WA.

CMM is run by a management team that has an excellent track record of delivery.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star Resources share price is $20.43, up 2.6% today and up 26% over 12 months. 

Morgans previously had a buy rating on the ASX 200 gold share but moved to an accumulate recommendation.

This followed the release of Northern Star's June quarter report.

The broker lowered its 12-month price target from $26 to $24.

This suggests a potential 17% upside ahead.

Morgans said:

Costs beat at all three production centres and FY26 volumes finished above revised guidance. We view the result as largely neutral.

FY27 guidance has been deferred to the 20 August FY26 result pending early KCGM Mill Expansion commissioning data.

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Catalyst Metals share price is $5.84, up 1.3% today and up 5.5% over 12 months.

Bell Potter reiterated its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold share after the miner's June quarter report.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $14.60 to $13.25.

This implies a potential 126% upside ahead.

Analyst Todd Lewis said:

4QFY26 provided record production, costs below guidance and +A$54m cash.

FY27 production, cost guidance and strategy a significant near-term catalyst.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU)

Perseus Mining shares are $4.91, up 1.3% today and up 46% over 12 months.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on the ASX 200 gold share with a price target of $5.50.

This implies potential capital gains of 12% ahead.

Macquarie says Perseus Mining is cashed-up and should be able to deliver higher returns and growth at the same time.

In a new note following the miner's June quarter report, the broker said management was strengthening the balance sheet, providing flexibility to increase shareholder returns and invest in growth simultaneously.

Perseus Mining reported more than US$1 billion in net cash at 30 June.

The broker said:

We anticipate outsized returns, above the current buy-back program.

The post 4 ASX 200 gold shares to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And they look well placed to keep outperforming in the months ahead.

In late afternoon trade on Monday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) diversified financial stock were trading for $252.29 apiece.

That sees the share price up 23.8% year to date, smashing the 3% returns delivered by the benchmark index over this same period.

For some context, here's how the big four ASX 200 bank shares have performed in 2026:

• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are up 2.3%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 9.8%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are down 2.6%
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are down 2.2%

Atop the strong outperformance in capital gains in 2026, Macquarie shares also historically pay two partly-franked dividends a year.

At Monday's prices, Macquarie stock trades on a 2.8% trailing dividend yield, franked at 35%.

And looking ahead, Catapult Wealth's Dylan Evans expects Macquarie will continue to outpace the likes of ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and CBA shares (courtesy of The Bull).

Here's why.

Should I buy Macquarie shares today?

"Growth potential for the big four banks is likely to come under pressure from moderating house prices and investment loan demand," Evans said.

"We see MQG as a compelling alternative in this environment due to Macquarie's more varied business mix," he added.

Summarising his buy recommendation on Macquarie shares, Evans concluded:

Macquarie offers a global range of services that includes investment banking and asset management, which should enable it to offer solid growth even in a slowing retail banking environment.

Macquarie's commodity and markets business can also benefit from market volatility, a useful trait in what is likely to be an uncertain period given the conflict in Iran.

What's the latest from the ASX 200 financial stock?

On 23 July, Macquarie announced that Shemara Wikramanayake will step down from her role in November after eight years in the top job. Greg Ward will take over the helm on 7 November.

Investors took the news in stride, with Macquarie shares closing down a modest 0.5% on the day.

As for the company's recent performance, in FY 2026, Macquarie delivered a profit of $4.8 billion, up 30% from FY 2025.

Macquarie chairman Glenn Stevens noted, "Each of the four operating groups contributed to the improved result, which says something about the breadth of the group's business."

The post Why Macquarie shares are forecast to outpace ASX bank stocks like CBA and Westpac appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The first few years may look almost disappointingly ordinary, but I think the real strength of this strategy reveals itself over the long term.

Here is how the numbers could work.

What would $1,000 a month become?

I will assume the portfolio earns an average return of 9% per annum, with dividends reinvested and returns compounded monthly.

At that rate, investing $1,000 at the start of every month could grow to around $190,000 after 10 years.

After 20 years, the balance could reach approximately $640,000. It would then pass $1 million after just over 24 years.

I think the striking part is how little of that final balance comes directly from the investor. Total contributions over 24 years would be around $292,000. The remaining $708,000 or so would come from investment growth.

It is important to note that a 9% return is never guaranteed, and the journey would include weak years and market falls. The calculation also excludes brokerage, fees, and tax. Even so, I believe it shows what time can do when regular investing continues.

Which ASX shares would I buy?

I would look for ASX shares with strong market positions and room to keep growing earnings.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) is one example. Its gaming content can be used across land-based machines, social casino apps, and regulated online gaming, giving the company several ways to expand globally.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) also interests me because its software is deeply connected to the daily operations of councils, universities, and government organisations. The tech stock's annual recurring revenue and high customer retention could provide a strong base for long-term growth.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) offers something different. Its ability to find opportunities across infrastructure, asset management, commodities, banking, and investment markets has helped it adapt through changing conditions.

Why the later years change everything

The first $100,000 would take a little over six years under these assumptions.

Reaching $500,000 would take around 17 and a half years. From there, the portfolio could add the next $500,000 in less than seven years.

That acceleration happens because a 9% return on a large balance can become more valuable than the monthly contribution itself.

The difficult part is staying invested long enough to reach that stage.

Foolish takeaway

I think the path to $1 million with ASX shares can be surprisingly simple, although it will never feel easy every month.

I would automate the investment, choose businesses I could comfortably own for years, reinvest the dividends, and keep buying through both exciting and frustrating markets.

At a 9% average return, $1,000 a month could become $1 million in roughly 24 years. But remember, success is more likely to come from consistency than perfect market timing.

The post How to turn $1,000 a month into $1 million with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But what can we expect from the shares going forward?

Here's what the experts think.

Buy Qantas shares

The ASX 200 airline shares were smashed lower earlier this year as conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel prices put airlines under pressure.

Jet fuel (refined from crude oil) is the highest operating cost for airlines. Given Australia imports more than 90% of its refined fuel, its local prices track global oil prices and currency movements. 

That means that when oil prices rise due to tight supply or geopolitical tensions, jet fuel prices also rise. This means that airlines, such as Qantas, face higher operating costs, which can pressure profits and potentially weigh on their share prices.

Despite the headwinds, Qantas shares staged an impressive comeback through June. Conflict in the Middle East has ramped up over the past couple of weeks, but this hasn't caused a share price crash, but rather a share price softening.

Robust domestic and international travel demand has helped the aviation giant's shares maintain some level of stability. And signs that inflation and cost-of-living is improving has also likely supported the stock.

It looks like Qantas shares could keep flying higher too. TradingView data shows the majority (12 out of 13) have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. The $11.76 target price implies a potential 12% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Buy Macquarie shares

Macquarie shares were the worst performers among ASX bank stocks in July. But the stock ended the month roughly flat. Through most of the year so far the ASX bank stock has performed strongly, rallying strongly in April and sitting close to an all-time high at the time of writing.

In July, the company had its AGM, posted its first-quarter FY27 update and announced that Shemara Wikramanayake will retire in November, with Greg Ward to take over the top job.

Macquarie described trading conditions during the first quarter as "satisfactory". Its Banking and Financial Services segment increased its profit contribution compared with the same period last year. Deposits rose by 4% during the quarter, while home loans grew by 6% and business banking loans increased by 3%.

The news was well-received by the market, and came off the back of the company's positive earnings result back in May. 

Brokers are still bullish on Macquarie's shares. TradingView data shows the majority (nine out of 15) have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. However, the $262.77 target price implies a small 5% upside at the time of writing.

Buy Xero shares

Xero shares have nosedived over the past year, hitting a seven-year low of $61.58 in late July. At the time of writing, there has been around a 16% rebound from that dip, but it barely makes a dent in the amount of losses shed over the past 12 months. 

It's been a difficult year for the ASX 200 tech stock after a sector-wide sell-off saw its share price plunge. There were also concerns that some tech shares were trading above fair value after a sector-wide rally in late 2025.

But analysts haven't given up hope. And they all point to strong potential for share price growth for Xero going forward.

The company benefits from an incredibly sticky subscription base and high customer retention rates. This means its revenue is relatively predictable. 

As a relatively small market player, it also has a lot of growth potential. 

TradingView data shows that most analysts (13 out of 15) have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. They tip an upside of around 80% to an average target price of $127.76, at the time of writing.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Qantas, Macquarie, Xero shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Well, to narrow things down, let's see what experts are tipping as buys this week, courtesy of The Bull.

Here's what they are recommending:

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The team at MPC Markets is bullish on this defence and space company and has named it as a buy.

MPC Markets has been pleased with EOS' performance this year and believes recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. It said:

This counter drone and laser weapons group had an order book of $846 million at June 30, 2026, an 84 per cent increase since December 31, 2025. In May, it completed the acquisition of the MARSS Group, a provider of artificial intelligence enabled command and control systems for counter drone capability. 

The company upgraded full year 2026 revenue guidance to between $280 million and $300 million, excluding MARSS. The stock has fallen significantly between June 2 and July 30 to the point it has been materially over-sold, in our view. Investors can consider buying EOS on weakness.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Over at Catapult Wealth, its analysts have named investment bank Macquarie as a buy this week.

The wealth management company believes Macquarie shares are a good alternative to the big four banks in the current environment. It explains:

Growth potential for the big four banks is likely to come under pressure from moderating house prices and investment loan demand. We see MQG as a compelling alternative in this environment due to Macquarie's more varied business mix. 

Macquarie offers a global range of services that includes investment banking and asset management, which should enable it to offer solid growth even in a slowing retail banking environment. Macquarie's commodity and markets business can also benefit from market volatility, a useful trait in what is likely to be an uncertain period given the conflict in Iran.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

MPC Markets is also bullish on Pro Medicus shares and has named them as a buy this week.

It thinks the market is undervaluing the health imaging technology company's growth, commenting:

The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and health care groups across the world. It was removed from S&P/ASX 50 and the S&P Global 1200 in June, which left index funds dumping stock whether the business deserved it or not in terms of performance. 

Reported half year net profit after tax of $171.2 million in the first half of 2026 was up 230.9 per cent on the prior corresponding period. The group keeps signing US hospital deals. Although the stock has bounced off its lows, we believe the market is still underpricing growth.

The post Experts name 3 ASX shares to buy this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Many Aussies think that they need to invest millions of dollars to make it worth it. But those with more experience know that you can earn a good passive income off any-sized portfolio if it's invested wisely.

But how much dividends could you actually earn?

Let's break it down, using a $400,000 portfolio as an example.

How much could I earn off a $400,000 ASX share portfolio?

To calculate your passive income, you need to multiply your total portfolio value by your dividend yield.

The tricky part is that the answer varies widely depending on your portfolio's dividend yield.

For example, $400,000 x 3% = $12,000 per year in dividend payments.

But if you double your portfolio yield to around 6%, your passive income will be double the size too. That's because $400,000 x 6% = $24,000 per year in dividend payments. 

That's some decent passive income!

Then, as your dividend yield increases, the passive income you can earn from your $400,000 portfolio also increases.  

These figures are based on cash dividends before any tax or franking credits.

Of course, this type of money isn't going to become a primary income stream, but it'll certainly help turbocharge your wealth.

Which ASX shares could earn me $12,000 per year in dividends?

To earn an annual passive income of around $12,000, your portfolio will need to yield around 3%.

A 3% dividend yield is very achievable, and there is a huge range of high-quality ASX dividend shares that pay out around that level. 

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) are all stable ASX shares that yield around 3%.

What ASX shares could help me earn around $24,000 per year in dividend payments?

To earn an annual passive income of around $24,000, your portfolio will need to yield around 6%.

This is slightly higher than the index average, but there are still plenty of options available.

I'd look at ASX shares like Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC), or Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN), which all yield around this level.

What about if I wanted to earn $28,000 per year in dividends, or even more? Is that possible?

Yes, it's possible, although your portfolio would need to average a dividend yield of 7% or higher.

There are options around this level, but remember, the higher the yield, the more risk those ASX shares have.

For ASX shares yielding around 7%, I'd look at Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA), Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX), and Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI). Abacus Group (ASX: ABG) pays a little higher, closer to 9%.

Of course, it's important to note that, ideally, you want to build a portfolio comprising a mix of different yielding shares for diversification, rather than a portfolio of just one stock.

The post How much could a $400,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It could cover everyday expenses, make retirement more comfortable, or provide the freedom to spend less time working.

Very few people will begin with enough money to generate that income straight away. I think the more realistic path is to build wealth first, give compounding time to work, and gradually turn that capital into a dependable income stream.

Here are three ways I would approach it.

Build capital from scratch

For investors starting with little or no money invested, I would initially focus on growing the value of the portfolio.

Regular contributions could be directed towards quality blue-chip shares and businesses capable of increasing earnings over many years.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) could provide exposure to a leading bank with a strong deposit franchise, digital capabilities, and fully franked dividends.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) could add long-term growth through its global operations across asset management, infrastructure, commodities, banking, and investment markets.

I would also consider healthcare companies such as ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), which has recurring demand for masks, accessories, and software alongside sales of sleep apnoea devices.

The early dividends could be reinvested to buy more shares, while regular contributions continue increasing the portfolio balance.

I think the main priority at this stage should be total return rather than chasing the highest income. Once the portfolio becomes large enough, some growth holdings could be retained while new money is gradually directed towards stronger dividend payers.

Focus on dependable dividend growth

If I already had a sizeable amount ready to invest, I would be drawn to established companies with dependable dividends and a good chance of increasing those payments over time.

A portfolio worth around $1.25 million with an average dividend yield of 4% could generate approximately $50,000 per year before tax.

CBA could again have a place in this approach, although its starting yield may be lower than other income shares.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) could provide relatively defensive earnings because grocery demand continues through changing economic conditions. Its dividends may also grow if sales, margins, and cash generation improve over time.

I think accepting a lower starting yield can make sense when the underlying businesses are financially strong and capable of producing a larger income stream in future years.

Seek a higher starting income

A portfolio worth around $1 million and yielding 5% could also produce $50,000 annually.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) could contribute fully franked dividends supported by its banking operations and leading position in business banking.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) may provide steadier demand because mobile and internet services remain part of everyday life for households and businesses.

APA Group (ASX: APA) could add income from energy infrastructure assets, while selected real estate investment trusts may offer another source of distributions.

I would still avoid choosing shares only because their yields look high. A large payout provides little comfort if earnings weaken and the dividend is later reduced.

The balance sheet, cash generation, and outlook for future payouts would guide my decisions.

Foolish takeaway

I think building a $50,000 passive income will look different depending on where an investor begins.

Someone starting from scratch may spend years concentrating on capital growth, regular contributions, and reinvested dividends before shifting towards income.

Investors with more capital already available may be able to focus immediately on dependable dividend shares or pursue a somewhat higher starting yield.

Whichever path is chosen, I think patience and dividend quality should be more important than reaching the goal as quickly as possible.

The post 3 simple ways to build a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Overall, ASX 200 bank shares have climbed over the past month, though they have yet to rebound to the bumper levels seen earlier this year. 

Slower economic growth, moderating inflation data, and expectations of interest rate cuts later in the year have all helped improve investor sentiment.

Other sectors, such as industrials, materials, and utilities, have tumbled lower, while weaker commodity prices have also pulled down the gold and mining sector. 

The shift saw an increase in investors rotating into more defensive, income-generating sectors such as financials.

However, concerns about overinflated prices, mortgage competition, and slowing credit growth kept share price growth subdued.

What happened to the ASX 200 big four major banks in July?

Australia's banking sector is dominated by the big four banks: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).  

Together, they make up around a quarter of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by market capitalisation. 

At the time of writing, with only a couple more days left of the month, CBA shares are up around 0.2% for the day and changing hands at $176.34 a piece. The ASX 200 major bank's shares are also around 8% higher over the past month. 

NAB shares are also trending higher on Tuesday morning, up around 0.2% to $41.01 a piece, at the time of writing. NAB shares have risen around 8% over the past month.

ANZ shares are also up 0.2% for the day so far, at $36.94. Over the past month, the bank stock has also climbed higher, up around 5%.

Meanwhile, Westpac shares have dipped slightly into the red this morning, down around 0.1% to $37.66 a piece. But over the past month, the shares have risen around 7%.

What about the mid-tier banks?

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares are up around 0.5% on Tuesday morning, to $11.06 a piece. Over the month, the shares are also up around 6%.

It's a similar story for Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) shares. They have climbed around 0.5% in early morning trade, to $6.51 a piece. The ASX bank stock is also up roughly 4% over the month. 

But Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares have fallen into the red on Tuesday morning, down roughly 1.5% to $254.72. Over the month, the bank was the worst-performing ASX bank stock, although the shares still climbed by around 2% higher.

Which ASX bank shares are a buy for August?

While Macquarie shares are technically the slowest performer so far this July, brokers are very bullish about the outlook over the next 12 months. TradingView data shows the majority have a buy rating on the investment bank's shares, and the $262.77 average target price implies a potential 3% upside ahead.

Which ones are rated a sell?

Brokers still rate CBA shares as a strong sell. The latest $125.51 target price on TradingView now implies a potential 29% downside ahead for investors, at the time of writing. 

The majority also have a sell rating on Westpac shares. The latest $33.35 average target price now implies a potential 12% downside, according to TradingView data.

BOQ shares are also expected to fall over the next 12 months. Most brokers rate the ASX bank as a sell, and the $60.81 average target price on TradingView now implies a 7% downside ahead.

Which ASX bank shares do brokers rate as a hold?

Then there are the ASX 200 bank shares that analysts are on the fence about.

TradingView data shows brokers are divided between a buy and sell rating on ANZ shares. The $34.91 target price, however, implies a potential 6% downside at the time of writing.

The data also shows that the majority have a hold rating on NAB shares. The average $37.94 target price on the ASX bank stock also implies a potential downside of around 7% at the time of writing.

Bendigo shares are also tipped to fall by around 6% to an average target price of $10.44.

The post Are ASX bank shares a buy in August? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company has just provided its first update for FY27 and announced an upcoming change of CEO.

So, do I think Macquarie shares are a standout buy today?

A solid start to FY27

Macquarie described trading conditions during the first quarter as satisfactory.

I think the individual business updates were more encouraging than that restrained description may suggest.

Banking and Financial Services increased its profit contribution compared with the same period last year. Deposits rose by 4% during the quarter, while home loans grew by 6% and business banking loans increased by 3%.

I like the progress in this division because it can give Macquarie a steadier source of earnings alongside its more market-sensitive operations.

Commodities and Global Markets also produced a substantially higher contribution. This was supported by increased activity in North American gas and power markets, as well as higher income from asset finance.

Macquarie Capital improved its contribution through stronger investment-related and brokerage income, although advisory fees were lower against a strong comparison period.

Macquarie Asset Management was the only division to report a lower contribution. This reflected the sale of its North American and European public investments business during FY26. However, assets under management increased by 4% during the quarter to $748 billion.

I think the update showed why Macquarie has been such a successful long-term investment. It has several businesses capable of finding opportunities across different market conditions.

What do I think of the CEO transition?

Shemara Wikramanayake will retire as managing director and CEO in November. Greg Ward, the current head of Banking and Financial Services, is set to succeed her, subject to the required approvals.

A leadership change of this size naturally creates some uncertainty, particularly after Wikramanayake's successful eight years as chief executive.

However, I think appointing Ward from within the company is a major positive.

Ward joined Macquarie in 1996 and served as its global chief financial officer for 14 years. He was later appointed deputy managing director before taking control of Banking and Financial Services in 2013.

I like that he already understands Macquarie's culture, approach to risk, and willingness to pursue opportunities that other financial institutions may overlook.

He has also led the repositioning of Banking and Financial Services into a much larger source of competition and innovation across personal banking, business banking, and wealth management.

I think that experience gives Macquarie a good chance of maintaining continuity while still entering its next stage of growth.

Do Macquarie shares offer value?

According to CommSec consensus estimates, Macquarie is forecast to generate earnings per share of $13.02 in FY27 and $13.38 in FY28.

At $257.93, this puts the shares on forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of approximately 19.8 times and 19.3 times, respectively.

I would not call that cheap, particularly when analysts are expecting relatively modest earnings growth between the two years.

However, Macquarie's earnings can move considerably depending on transactions, asset sales, commodity markets, and investment activity. I do not think one or two years of consensus forecasts capture everything the company could achieve over a longer period.

CommSec also forecasts dividends per share of $7.60 in FY27 and $8 in FY28. That represents forward dividend yields of around 2.9% and 3.1%.

The dividend is a welcome part of the return, although I would mainly buy Macquarie for its long-term earnings and capital growth potential.

Foolish Takeaway

Yes, I think Macquarie shares are a standout buy for long-term investors.

The shares are not a bargain, and the current price leaves less room for disappointing results. I would still be comfortable buying because I think Macquarie has qualities that justify paying a higher valuation.

Its global reach, diverse businesses, financial strength, and ability to adapt have created opportunities across many different market cycles.

I am also encouraged by the decision to promote an experienced leader who has spent three decades inside the organisation.

At around $257.93, I think Macquarie remains one of the highest-quality ASX shares available to investors today.

The post Are Macquarie shares a standout buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's true that ASX bank share rivals Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) get more of the headlines, but I'd say Macquarie is a dark horse as the best of the financial industry.

For starters, Macquarie is more diversified, both geographically and with more divisions. This gives the company more growth avenues and investment options to generate higher returns.

Strong AGM update

Macquarie is made up of four different segments. The ASX financial share has outlined how the business performed in the first three months of FY27, being the three months to 30 June 2026.

Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) assets under management (AUM) rose 4% quarter-over-quarter to $748 billion. MAM's net profit declined year-over-year due to the divestment of the North American and European public investments business in the second half of FY26.

The banking and financial services (BFS) deposits grew 4% quarter over quarter to $223.3 billion and the home loan portfolio rose 6% quarter over quarter to $191.5 billion. The business banking loan portfolio grew 3% quarter over quarter to $18.7 billion. BFS net profit was up year over year, thanks to volume growth, offset by lower margins. I think this business is performing very strongly.

Commodities and global markets (CGM) net profit grew substantially thanks to increased income from commodities compared to subdued conditions last year and increased asset finance income due to higher activity.

Macquarie Capital – the investment bank – grew profit thanks to higher investment-related and brokerage income, partially offset by lower compared to last year (which was strong).

How many Macquarie shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?

Macquarie has had a strong start to the 2027 financial year and this could bode well for the FY27 annual dividend.

According to the projection on Commsec, the business is forecast to pay an annual dividend per share of $7.60 in FY27. At the time of writing, that translates into a dividend yield of 3% excluding the franking credits.

To receive $10,000 of passive income from Macquarie, an investor would need to own 1,316 Macquarie shares. But, the business is projected to increase its annual payout to $8.00 per share in FY28, we'd need fewer shares to receive $10,000 in FY28.

Macquarie is a quality business with a growing dividend, though its strong share price gains mean that the dividend yield isn't as attractive. Therefore, there could be even better opportunities out there.

The post How many Macquarie shares do I need to buy to generate $10,000 in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I would begin with businesses that can keep generating cash flow, investing, and growing through different market conditions.

Here is how I would put together a strong ASX share portfolio from the ground up.

Start with demand that keeps returning

I would begin with companies that sell products or services that customers continue buying across different economic conditions.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) fits that description. Households may change brands, search harder for specials, or reduce spending elsewhere, but groceries and everyday essentials remain regular purchases.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) offers another source of recurring demand. Mobile and internet connections now support work, payments, entertainment, travel, and communication, giving the company a relatively defensive earnings base.

These shares can still fall during a market sell-off. Their businesses simply give me more confidence that revenue will keep arriving while weaker parts of the economy struggle.

That can make it easier to remain patient and keep collecting dividends.

Own companies that can keep investing

Defensive earnings can provide stability, while long-term growth gives the portfolio a better chance of recovering strongly.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) is one company I would consider.

Demand for sleep and respiratory treatment could continue growing as awareness improves and more patients receive a diagnosis. The company also earns ongoing revenue through masks, replacement products, monitoring, and connected software.

I would also consider Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

Its earnings can move around as deal activity, asset sales, and commodity markets change. However, the group has repeatedly found opportunities across infrastructure, private markets, energy, financing, and asset management.

A difficult market can eventually create attractive conditions for businesses with capital, experience, and the confidence to keep investing.

Add global quality

An Australian portfolio can become heavily dependent on local banks, resources companies, consumer spending, and the domestic economy.

I would widen the opportunity set through an exchange-traded fund (ETF) such as the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL).

This ETF invests in global companies selected using measures linked to profitability, earnings stability, and financial leverage.

I like that quality focus during uncertain periods. Companies with strong margins, healthy balance sheets, and dependable earnings often have more freedom to keep investing when conditions become difficult.

QUAL also provides exposure to industries and business models that are less prominent on the ASX, thereby reducing the portfolio's dependence on developments in Australia.

Keep buying capacity available

A market fall becomes far less intimidating when an investor still has money available to put to work.

I would keep regular contributions flowing and maintain a modest cash reserve for attractive opportunities.

The cash is there to provide flexibility rather than predict the exact bottom. I may begin buying after a 10% fall, add again if prices weaken further, and continue while the long-term investment case remains sound.

That approach can turn volatility into a source of better entry prices.

I would also avoid filling the portfolio with too many holdings. A manageable collection makes it easier to follow each company and decide whether a falling price reflects temporary fear or a genuine change in the business.

Foolish Takeaway

A resilient ASX portfolio can still lose value during a bad year.

Its strength comes from owning businesses that keep generating cash flow, investing for growth, and serving customers who continue to need what they provide.

That gives an investor stronger reasons to hold through weakness and enough confidence to add when prices become more attractive.

I would build gradually, spread exposure across different earnings drivers, and leave room to respond when markets create opportunities. Over time, that discipline can be just as important as choosing the shares themselves.

The post How I would build a strong ASX share portfolio from scratch appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For that kind of holding period, I would look for companies with hard-to-recreate positions, capable management, and several ways to increase earnings.

The five S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares below fit that description for me.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie often finds its best opportunities when industries are changing, and clients need capital, specialist knowledge, or help managing risk.

Its reach across asset management, infrastructure, banking, commodities, private credit, and corporate transactions gives it several ways to participate.

I like that adaptability. The divisions producing the strongest results will shift as markets change, but Macquarie has repeatedly shown that it can move towards new opportunities.

A change of CEO has created some short-term uncertainty, but I am confident it will be business as usual over the next decade.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

Sleep health leader ResMed can keep growing each time another person receives a diagnosis and begins treatment for sleep apnoea or another breathing disorder.

The relationship can then continue for years through masks, replacement parts, monitoring, and connected software.

I think this gives the ASX 200 share an attractive combination of new-patient growth and recurring demand from its installed base.

Competition and new treatment options will keep the market evolving, although I think its scale, distribution, and experience leave it well placed to remain the industry leader.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA owns the audience that Australian property advertisers most want to reach.

Buyers, sellers, renters, and homeowners repeatedly visit realestate.com.au because property decisions involve large amounts of money and research. Agents and developers then want their listings placed in front of those users.

That relationship creates a strong competitive advantage. A larger audience attracts more advertisers, while the breadth of listings gives people another reason to return.

REA can also grow beyond advertising through data, seller leads, financial services, and tools for agents. I think the platform will keep finding new ways to earn more from its central role in Australian property.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman has spent years securing industrial land in major global cities.

That land has become even more valuable when it comes with access to the electricity needed for data centres.

Artificial intelligence and cloud computing require significant physical infrastructure, and suitable sites can take years to assemble, obtain approval, and connect to power. Goodman already controls many of those locations and can develop them alongside large capital partners.

The shares usually trade at a premium, while construction costs and project timing create uncertainty. But I would still buy because the company has assembled capabilities that could remain in heavy demand throughout the next decade.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is moving closer to the daily financial activity of millions of small businesses.

Its platform already helps customers handle accounting, invoices, payroll, tax, reporting, and cash flow. Payments and other financial services could make it even more deeply involved in how money moves through those businesses.

That creates room to grow subscriber numbers and earn more from each customer.

The United States remains a substantial opportunity, particularly as Xero broadens its payments capabilities through Melio. Execution will need to be strong, but I think Xero has a credible path towards becoming a much larger global small-business platform.

Foolish Takeaway

A decade-long investment should have more behind it than a good story.

I would want companies capable of adapting while protecting the advantages they have already built. These five businesses have established global platforms, valuable customer relationships, scarce assets, or audiences that competitors would struggle to recreate.

There will be disappointing results and uncomfortable share price falls along the way. But I think the underlying opportunities are strong enough to make Macquarie, ResMed, REA, Goodman, and Xero shares worth owning through them.

The post 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The healthcare giant has shed another 8% over the past five trading days. That leaves CSL shares down 34% year to date and a staggering 57% over the past 12 months.

In dollar terms, roughly $75 billion has been wiped from the company's market value compared with this time last year.

So, after one of the biggest share price collapses in CSL's history, is there a path back?

From market darling to market disappointment

For years, CSL shares were the ASX's gold standard.

The company built an enviable track record of growing earnings through its global leadership in plasma therapies and vaccines, rewarding patient shareholders along the way.

Then the wheels came off. A string of earnings downgrades, management changes, and roughly US$5 billion in non-cash impairments linked largely to the CSL Vifor acquisition shattered investor confidence.

The market quickly went from rewarding perfection to punishing every disappointment.

Has the bad news peaked?

The latest setback arrived in May.

Management guided to FY26 revenue of around US$15.2 billion, roughly 4% below consensus expectations, and forecast NPAT of approximately US$3.1 billion, about 7% below analyst estimates.

CSL also flagged another US$5 billion of non-cash impairments across FY26 and FY27.

Since then, however, the story hasn't deteriorated much further. Concerns remain around Tavneos, which faces potential withdrawal in both Europe and the US. Even so, analysts note the product contributes only around 1% of group revenue, limiting the financial impact.

The team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) believe expectations have now been reset to a relatively low level. The broker forecasts modest earnings growth through FY28 and argues that even small earnings beats could be enough to improve sentiment.

What do brokers think?

Broker optimism on CSL shares isn't what it once was, but neither is it overwhelmingly negative.

UBS recently reiterated its buy rating with a $158 price target, implying around 38% upside from current levels.

The broker expects management to provide cautious FY27 guidance, reflecting ongoing competitive pressures across major plasma markets. However, it also believes recent contract wins could provide some encouragement.

Morgans is also constructive, maintaining a buy recommendation and a $147.59 target price. The broker believes CSL's long-term competitive advantages remain intact but expects investor confidence to recover gradually as the company demonstrates earnings stability.

Some analysts are even more optimistic, with the highest published price target sitting at $198.89, around 74% above the current share price.

Foolish takeaway

CSL remains one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, but rebuilding investor confidence won't happen overnight.

The market wants proof that earnings downgrades are over and that management has regained control of the narrative.

A strong recovery of CSL shares is certainly possible. But while broker targets point to meaningful upside, a return to CSL's record highs is likely to be a marathon rather than a sprint.

The post A $75 billion collapse: Can CSL shares stage a comeback? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's take a look at some new buy, hold, and sell calls from the experts.

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

The Aussie Broadband share price is $4.62, up 2.4% today and up 10% over 12 months.

Aussie Broadband was the No. 1 stock for share price growth within the communications sector in FY26, up 26%.

Ord Minnett kept its buy rating on this ASX 200 telco share after reviewing the latest NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report.

In a new note, the broker said: 

The recent release by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) of the NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report for the March quarter highlights ongoing market-share gains for Aussie Broadband (ABB), particularly in the higher-speed tiers and customers utilising fibre to the premise (FTTP) technology.

Sector discounting around the end of financial year has been aggressive, and Aussie Broadband participated in this competitive dynamic.

We see low earnings risk into the FY26 result, however, given the recent guidance provided for operating earnings (EBITDA) and capital expenditure.

Ord Minnett trimmed its 12-month share price target to $6.30, implying a potential 36% upside from here.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

The James Hardie Industries share price is $36.78, down 0.6% today and down 12% over 12 months.

After reviewing the building materials supplier's 1Q FY27 report, Morgans upgraded James Hardie shares to a hold rating.

Morgans said:

JHX has delivered a strong set of results for 1QFY27, beating consensus (and MorgansF) EBITDA forecasts by c.9% at the mid-point and prior guidance by c.10%.

The outperformance was largely attributed to execution and above-market growth, rather than an improving US housing market.

The result sets our baseline expectations higher, whilst we expect the business to follow the traditional earnings seasonality (bigger Jun/Mar quarters).

This result is better than expected. Higher growth in FY27 reduces the heavy lifting required in FY28 to achieve consensus' US$1.45/sh EPS forecast.

The broker has a 12-month target of $40, implying a potential upside of 9% in FY27.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is $255.14, up 0.6% today and up 19% over 12 months.

Morgans kept its hold rating on this ASX 200 bank share following the AGM, 1Q FY27 update, and news of the CEO's retirement.

The broker said: 

Overall, MQG pointed to "satisfactory" trading conditions in 1Q27, while Greg Ward – currently Head of BFS – will replace the retiring Shemara Wikramanayake as CEO.

We lift our MQG FY27F/FY28F EPS by 1%-3% on slightly stronger CGM earnings forecasts.

MQG is a quality franchise and a proven performer, but with <10% upside to our target price, we maintain our Hold call.

Morgans increased its 12-month share price target from $248 to $255.

This suggests Macquarie shares are already fully valued.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aussie Broadband, James Hardie, Macquarie shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But a regular monthly investment could gradually change that picture.

With a sensible strategy and enough patience, investors can build real momentum without needing a large lump sum at the beginning.

Here is how the numbers could work.

Make investing automatic

I would begin by investing $500 every month.

Treating that contribution like a regular bill can help remove the temptation to wait for the perfect buying opportunity. Some purchases will happen when share prices are high, while others will arrive during market weakness.

Over many years, that consistency can become more important than trying to predict every rise and fall.

An investor could put the money directly into the market each month or build it up briefly before making a larger purchase. The right approach may depend on brokerage costs and how actively they want to manage the portfolio.

Either way, I would try to keep the money moving into investments rather than leaving it sitting in cash indefinitely.

Build around long-term growth

For this example, I will assume the portfolio delivers an average annual return of 9%.

That return is not guaranteed. Some years could produce large gains, while others may bring painful declines. The 9% figure is simply a long-term illustration that combines share price growth and reinvested dividends.

Broad exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could form the core of the strategy.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), for example, gives investors access to established companies across developed markets outside Australia.

An investor could also add selected ASX shares with strong competitive positions and room to grow.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) offers exposure to global sleep and respiratory healthcare, while REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) owns an enormous property audience that advertisers want to reach.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) could bring another source of long-term growth through infrastructure, asset management, commodities, and global financial markets.

I would focus on a manageable collection of investments rather than feeling pressured to buy something new every month.

When could the portfolio reach $100,000?

Investing $500 a month from a standing start and earning an average return of 9% per annum could grow the portfolio to approximately $100,000 after just over 10 years.

That estimate assumes monthly compounding and does not include fees or tax.

The early years may feel slow because the portfolio balance is still relatively modest. Most of the progress initially comes from the investor's regular contributions.

Compounding becomes more noticeable as the portfolio grows. A 9% return on $10,000 is $900, while the same return on $75,000 is $6,750.

The portfolio gradually begins adding more growth of its own, alongside the continuing $500 monthly investments.

Keep the process working

Reaching $100,000 requires investors to stay invested through periods when the market feels uncomfortable.

I would continue buying during downturns, provided the investment strategy remained sound. Lower prices allow each contribution to purchase more shares or ETF units, which can help when markets eventually recover.

Reinvesting dividends can also add more assets to the portfolio without requiring extra money from the investor.

Foolish takeaway

Going from zero to $100,000 with ASX shares would take time, but the monthly process is straightforward.

I would invest $500 regularly, build around diversified ETFs and quality companies, reinvest the income, and allow compounding to gather pace.

The first years would require the most patience. Once the portfolio develops some size, its own returns can begin making a much larger contribution.

At an average annual return of 9%, that approach could turn a standing start into a six-figure portfolio in a little over a decade.

The post How to go from zero to $100,000 with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Macquarie shares on a bull run

The shares have improved from around $190 in March to $257.92 at the time of writing, up 20.6% over a 12-month period.

The company known as "the millionaire's factory" this week announced that Chief Executive Officer Shemara Wikramanayake will retire in November, with Greg Ward to take over the top job.

The analysts at Jarden have run the ruler over the company following its management change and believe it still remains a sound investment.

But what sort of return will it deliver? I'll get to that later. First, let's see what the Jarden analysts are saying about the company.

The analysts, in a note published on Thursday following the Macquarie annual general meeting, said all four of Macquarie's divisions were performing strongly for the first time since FY22.

They added:

MQG printed strong 2H26 results … due to investment gains, trading and risk management (energy volatility) and released constructive short term guidance. Today at its AGM, it held that outlook except for a tweak to banking and financial services. Banking and financial services continues to win share on both sides of the balance sheet by leveraging a superior fully digitised core with 'no hoops, no catches'.

Jarden said Macquarie indicated that Macquarie Asset Management had exited low-margin and low-growth offshore public markets, with that capital to be recycled into higher-growth private markets.

They added:

Recent data centre divestments (AirTrunk, Aligned) underwrite a rich vein of performance fees over the forthcoming years. There are plenty of assets to invest, sell and recycle across the key megatrends of Decarbonisation, Digitalisation, Demographics, and Deglobalisation.

Macquarie shares look fully-priced

Jarden has a buy rating on Macquarie shares, but has a price target of $250 on the company, below the current share price.

They are projecting that Macquarie will pay a dividend yield of 3.4%.

They noted that Mr Ward was a long-time Macquarie employee, joining the company in 1996.

His elevation to the top job aligns with the company's historical preference for promoting from within.

Mr Ward said in a statement on Thursday:

I'm honoured to be asked by the Board to succeed Shemara as Macquarie CEO. Shemara leaves Macquarie incredibly well positioned, with each of our businesses performing strongly. I look forward to working with the Board, management and our entire Macquarie team to build on Shemara's legacy for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

The post Are Macquarie shares a buy, hold or sell following the company's leadership transition? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.