Although Buffett may have vacated the CEO chair at Berkshire, he remains at the company as chairman and oracle. Even so, Berkshire's first 13F filing of 2026 is also the first that covers the tenure of new CEO Greg Abel.

As we discussed earlier this afternoon, Abel has certainly put his stamp on the Berkshire portfolio, with several notable buys. The most dramatic of these was a tripling-down of its Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) position, making it Berkshire's fifth-largest investment.

We've already been through Berkshire's stock purchases today, though, so let's get to the stocks that the company was selling over the first three months of 2026.

What stocks did Berkshire sell last quarter?

Long-time Berkshire watchers might be shocked to hear that the company sold positions in no fewer than 20 companies over the three months to 31 March. 14 of those 20 positions were closed out entirely.

Here are the stocks that Berkshire no longer owns:

• Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: BATRK)
• Liberty Latin America Ltd (NASDAQ: LILA)(NASDAQ: LILAK)
• Diageo plc (NYSE: DEO)
• Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE)
• Lamar Advertising Co (NASDAQ: LAMR)
• Charter Communications Inc (NASDAQ: CHTR)
• Formula One Group (NASDAQ: FWONK)
• Heico Corp (NYSE: HEI)
• Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN)
• Pool Corp (NASDAQ: POOL)
• Domino's Pizza Inc (NASDAQ: DPZ)
• UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE: UNH)
• Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA)
• Visa Inc (NYSE: V)

These are the stocks that Berkshire reduced its holdings of, but didn't sell down entirely:

• Liberty Live Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: LLYVK)
• Bank of America Corp (NYSE: BAC)
• Davita Inc (NYSE: DVA)
• Nucor Corp (NYSE: NUE)
• Contellation Brands Inc (NYSE: STZ)
• Chevron Corp (NYSE: CVX)

What should we take from these sells?

Some very interesting names there indeed. Perhaps the most shocking sell-offs to note are the household names Amazon, Visa and Mastercard. These have been in Berkshire's portfolio for a few years, and Buffett himself has sung the praises of all three businesses. It will be interesting to hear Abel explain these sales.

Chevron, another long-term Berkshire holding, is also notable. This oil stock was Berkshire's largest sale of the quarter, with the company offloading almost US$10 billion worth of Chevron (35.2% of its stake). Contellation Brands (an alcoholic beverage manufacturer famous for its Corona label) was also notable, with Berkshire selling 95.1% of its position. It is curious why the other 4.9% remains on the company's books.

It was also interesting to see that Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Berkshire's largest position that has been reduced almost every quarter in recent years, was left untouched.

Berkshire Hathaway was a net seller over the quarter, with the sheer number of portfolio cuts and shaves outweighing the buys, and the huge Alphabet purchase in particular. It seems that Greg Abel isn't afraid to shake things up.

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There are thousands of ASX shares to choose from and plenty of jargon to get through. This is where ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can help.

They allow investors to access a basket of companies through a single trade, making it easier to build exposure without needing to pick every stock individually.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for beginners.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This fund focuses on global companies with strong financial characteristics. These can include high returns on equity, low debt, stable earnings, and solid cash flow generation.

That gives this ETF a simple starting point. Rather than trying to chase the next market winner, it looks for businesses that already have the numbers to support their quality.

Its holdings include companies such as Visa (NYSE: V), Uber (NYSE: UBER), and Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX).

For beginners, the appeal is that the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF provides exposure to established global companies while applying a quality filter. This can be a useful way to invest internationally without having to analyse every business from scratch.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Another ASX ETF that could appeal to beginners is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.

This fund focuses on Australian companies with strong quality characteristics. This can include businesses with high return on equity, low financial leverage, and strong cash flow generation.

That makes it different from a traditional broad-market ETF. Instead of simply buying companies based on size, it applies a quality filter to the Australian share market.

Its holdings include companies such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

This approach can be useful for beginners. That's because it provides exposure to familiar Australian shares, but with a rules-based process that favours financial strength rather than just market size.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A third ASX ETF that could be a top pick for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

It is built around the idea that some companies have stronger competitive advantages than others. These advantages can come from brands, scale, switching costs, intellectual property, or network effects.

The fund invests in international companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages and, importantly, are attractively priced.

Its holdings include Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

This can make it an attractive option for beginners. The VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF does not simply buy the broad market. It uses a quality and valuation lens to select companies that may be better placed to protect and build profits over time.

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But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy.

Don't worry, I will now narrow things down by picking out three that could be best buys as the month of May approaches rapidly.

Here's why they could be worth considering for a $1,000 investment:

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. It is heavily weighted towards technology and growth-oriented businesses.

Its holdings include companies such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital services continues to support growth across this group of companies. This could make the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF a strong performer over the next decade and beyond.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This ETF tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index, giving investors access to 500 large-cap US stocks.

Its holdings include companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Walmart (NYSE: WMT), and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

This means that the iShares S&P 500 ETF provides broad exposure to the US economy, which remains the largest and most influential market globally. It also offers diversification across sectors and tends to be less concentrated than more thematic ETFs.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This ETF focuses on companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages, often referred to as economic moats.

Its holdings include companies such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Visa (NYSE: V), and Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB). Visa stands out due to its global payments network, which benefits from high margins and strong network effects.

In addition, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF incorporates a valuation overlay, selecting companies that are not only high quality but also trading at what is considered an attractive price.

This combination of quality and valuation offers a different approach compared to traditional index tracking ETFs.

The post Are these the best ASX ETFs to buy with $1,000 in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some of the most exciting opportunities in the market today are being driven by global technology, automation, and cybersecurity trends. The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to access these themes in a single trade.

Here are five ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that could add serious growth potential is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, a region that continues to digitise rapidly.

Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

What makes this fund compelling is its exposure to markets that are still in earlier stages of digital adoption compared to the US, which could translate into strong long-term growth.

BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Another ASX ETF that could boost returns is the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This ETF targets companies at the forefront of automation and AI, industries that are transforming how businesses operate.

Key holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and Keyence.

Rather than focusing on a single niche, this ETF spreads exposure across multiple applications of AI and robotics, giving it a broad growth runway. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

A third ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund provides exposure to Australia's leading technology companies, offering a way to back local innovation.

Its holdings include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

This ETF gives investors access to businesses that are growing both domestically and internationally, with scalable models and strong long-term potential. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Another ASX ETF that could strengthen a portfolio is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

It focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and competitive advantages.

Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Visa (NYSE: V).

This focus on quality helps balance out more aggressive growth exposures, providing a layer of resilience while still offering solid long-term returns. It was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A fifth ASX ETF that could round out a portfolio is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

This fund targets companies involved in cybersecurity, an area that is becoming increasingly critical as digital threats continue to rise.

Key holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS).

As businesses and governments invest more heavily in protecting data and systems, demand for cybersecurity solutions is expected to grow.

The post 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are one of them, or are planning to become one, and are looking for investment ideas, then read on.

Listed below are three super ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be top picks for an SMSF. Here's what you need to know about them:

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The first ASX ETF that could be a strong fit for an SMSF is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

This ETF focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and high returns on capital. Rather than chasing short-term growth, it targets businesses that have proven their ability to perform across economic cycles.

Holdings include stocks such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Visa (NYSE: V). These businesses operate at global scale and benefit from entrenched positions in their respective markets.

For an SMSF, the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF can work as a core international holding, offering exposure to global leaders while leaning toward financial strength and durability rather than speculation.

It was recently recommended to investors by the fund manager.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

Another ASX ETF that may appeal to SMSF investors is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

This fund provides exposure to global defence companies at a time when government spending in this area is increasing. Geopolitical uncertainty, regional conflicts, and heightened focus on national security have led many countries to commit to higher defence budgets over the long term.

Holdings include companies such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), and RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX). These businesses often benefit from long-dated government contracts, which can provide revenue visibility.

Overall, the Betashares Global Defence ETF offers exposure to a sector that is less tied to consumer spending and economic cycles, adding diversification to a long-term portfolio.

This fund was recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

A final ASX ETF to consider for an SMSF is the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF.

This fund invests in global companies with strong and consistent free cash flow generation. This focus can be particularly attractive for retirement-focused investors, as cash flow underpins dividends, reinvestment, and balance sheet strength.

Holdings include stocks such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). These businesses generate significant cash while operating in industries with long-term demand.

The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF could complement growth-oriented holdings by adding exposure to companies that emphasise financial discipline and sustainable returns. It was also recently recommended by the fund manager.

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With more than $8 billion in assets under management, QUAL is currently the fifth most popular ASX ETF on our markets. It comes in behind the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) and the BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200).

Unlike those four ETFs, though, QUAL isn't a market-wide index fund that blindly invests in companies according to their market capitalisation, with few other considerations.

Instead, it tracks an index that actively screens companies to identify their quality. These screens include factors like a stock's return on equity, earnings stability and financial leverage.

After applying these screens to a range of internationally listed shares, the VanEck International Quality ETF settles on a portfolio of around 300 different stocks, hailing from more than a dozen different countries. These countries range from Switzerland, Japan and the United Kingdom to China, Denmark and Ireland.

However, the vast majority of QUAL's portfolio is drawn from the United States of America, which commands more than three-quarters of this ETF's weighted holdings.

So, let's get into what you're actually buying when purchasing QUAL units in 2026.

QUAL: What's in this ASX ETF's box?

Here are the current top ten holdings of the VanEck International Quality ETF, as well as their respective weightings in the QUAL portfolio:

1. Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) at 5.67% of the total QUAL portfolio
2. Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) at 5.02%
3. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) at 4.64%
4. Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) at 4.62%
5. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) at 4.46%
6. Eli Lilly & Co (NYSE: LLY) at 3.44%
7. Visa Inc (NYSE: V) at 2.92%
8. ASML Holding N.V. (AMS: ASML) at 2.52%
9. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) at 1.86%
10. Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT) at 1.77%

Some other significant QUAL holdings include Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA), Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX), Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST) and Caterpillar Inc (NYSE: CAT).

Not only does this list reveal how dominant the US is in this ASX ETF, but it shows how similar its holdings are to a broad-market US index fund like the iShares S&P 500 ETF. We discussed that ETF just the other day, so check out how its holdings compare to QUAL's here.

This methodology seems to have worked quite well for the VanEck International Quality ETF, though. As of 31 December, QUAL units have returned an average of 14.8% per annum over the past ten years, and 22.85% per annum over the past three. It will be interesting to see if this performance keeps up in 2026.

This ASX ETF charges a management fee of 0.4% per annum.

The post Investing in the VanEck International Quality ETF (QUAL)? Here's what you're really buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The GARP acronym stands for growth at a reasonable price. 

It was made famous by investor Peter Lynch.

The strategy seeks to combine the best facets of growth and value investing approaches to select individual stock investments.

In the words of Global X, the fund provides access to global companies with:

• Strong earnings growth
• Solid financial strength
• Reasonable valuations

Inside GARP's December 2025 Rebalance

In a fresh report out of the ETF provider yesterday, it highlighted the changes made to the fund.

These changes went into effect in December.

Marc Jocum, Senior Product and Investment Strategist said the latest rebalance resulted in a measured refresh rather than a wholesale shift. 

While some individual holdings changed, the portfolio's core identity remains intact.

It is tilted toward high-quality global companies with improving earnings momentum, resilient fundamentals, and reasonable valuations.

Periods of market noise often tempt investors to chase momentum or retreat to defensives. However, the most durable outcomes tend to come from discipline – owning companies that can consistently grow earnings, maintain balance sheet strength, and trade at a fair price.

What's in?

According to the report, the December 2025 rebalance saw the addition of companies where earnings are improving, but valuations are yet to fully re-rate.

The first inclusion was Rolls-Royce Plc (LSE: RR.). 

Global X said this was due to expanding earnings margins, driven by higher engine flying hours, improved pricing, a greater mix of recurring services revenue, and disciplined cost control.

The company is also emerging as a beneficiary of the AI-driven power generation theme. 

Another inclusion to the fund was Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) due to improved earnings momentum across its diversified entertainment ecosystem.

Additionally, SoftBank (OTC: SFBQ.F) – a global technology investment conglomerate was added. This was thanks to its unique leverage to the AI megatrend. 

What's out?

The GARP ETF also saw key stock removals from the fund. 

Global X said several high-quality franchises were removed not because their businesses are broken, but because growth has slowed, balance sheet risks have risen, or valuations are no longer warranted.

• Visa (NYSE: V) was exited as earnings growth moderated, balance sheet leverage increased, all amidst regulatory and competitive pressures intensified.
• Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), despite its exceptional business model, faced slowing revenue momentum and emerging margin headwinds, challenging to reconcile with a premium valuation.
• General Motors (NYSE: GM) screened as optically cheap, but weakening margins and falling returns on equity, perhaps due to uncertainty around EV strategy, meant GM no longer fit a GARP framework.

The post Own the Global X GARP ETF? The fund just made some key changes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

• Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)
• REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)
• MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)
• Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
• TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

My US picks were:

• Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN)
• Doulingo Inc (NASDAQ: DUOL)
• S&P Global Inc (NYSE: SPGI)
• Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST)
• Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA)

Obviously, not much has changed in a week, and I would still love to own more of all ten of these companies in 12 months' time.

But we're not stopping wth those stocks. Today, let's discuss ten more stocks that I think anyone can buy today to start 2026 off on a strong note. We'll once again do five ASX shares and five US stocks.

5 top ASX shares to kick off 2026 with a bang

I love consumer staples companies, and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is one of my favourites here on the ASX. Coles is a strong dividend payer with a defensive and mature earnings base that can provide protection against both recessions and inflation. It will, in my view, be around for decades to come.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is another veteran ASX stock I like for 2026. Its dominance of the defensive mobile and internet markets gives it a strong moat and, thus, a reliable dividend. This company's fully-franked payouts are historically some of the best on the ASX.

Turning to a faster-growing company now, Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) is another top stock looking interesting as we start the new year. Xero has a remarkably sticky product in its cloud-based accounting software. Consumers seem willing to keep paying those monthly fees to use Xero's platform. The company's growth plans are very exciting too.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) is our fourth pick of the day. JB has proven itself to be one of the ASX's best retailers, having savvily evolved from selling hi-fi products to becoming an all-out electronics and appliances retailer over the past two decades. Customers love JB's distinctive marketing tactics and innovative store layouts. With JB having a rare lacklustre year in 2025, this one is looking tempting as we start 2026.

Our final ASX stock worth discussing today is more left-field. It is the gold miner Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM). Normally, I shy away from more speculative investments like Newmont. But Newmont can be viewed as an insurance policy of sorts. If 2026 produces geopolitical or economic uncertainty on the global stage, Newmont could benefit from a rush to the 'safe haven' of gold. If some experts are to be believed, it could have another bumper year in 2026.

5 top US stocks to check out too

When I named Mastercard as one of my top US picks last week, it was partly due to my conviction that contactless and electronic payments are in the middle of a powerful long-term tailwind. That's why I am also happy to own and spruik Mastercard's arch-rival Visa Inc (NYSE: V). Visa is the largest payments company in the world, and is an extraordinarily profitable stock. However, I think its best days lie ahead.

We can say the same for Magnificent Seven winner Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL). Google-owner Alphabet owns several of the world's best businesses. These include Google Search, YouTube, Google Cloud, and AI-platform Gemini. I'm also excited about the company's self-driving division.

I would be happy to own Alphabet's Magnificent 7 sibling, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), too. Buying Microsoft stock means buying a share in Windows, Office, Xbox, Teams, Activision Blizzard, LinkedIn, and many other leading digital products and services that Microsoft owns. I rest my case.

Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX) is another winner that I think will keep on winning. If Netflix manages to acquire the assets of Warner Bros Discovery Inc (NASDAQ: WBD) this year, it will own one of the most extensive and valuable collections of intellectual property on the planet. Even if it doesn't, Netflix owns a service that is well on its way to becoming an internationally recognised household essential.

Our final stock is a simple one that we all know and may love. McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is one of the most resilient businesses in existence. Its brand is universally recognised, having transcended into popular culture decades ago. As an inflation and recession-resistant stock, I'd be happy to buy more McDonald's this January.

The post My 10 top stocks to buy to start the New Year off right appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remove much of that pressure and offer a simple way to invest.

With a single investment, you can gain instant diversification and exposure to hundreds or even thousands of companies.

For Australians starting their investing journey in 2026, here are five ASX ETFs that stand out as sensible, beginner-friendly options.

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares ETF is often considered a cornerstone ETF for local investors. It provides exposure to the 300 largest shares listed on the ASX, making it an easy way to invest in the Australian economy as a whole.

Its portfolio includes blue-chip names such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). For beginners, this fund offers simplicity, diversification, and a steady stream of income over time.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

If you want global exposure without complexity, the popular iShares S&P 500 ETF is a strong place to start. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving investors access to 500 of the largest stocks in the United States.

Holdings include Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Visa Inc (NYSE: V). For beginners, this fund offers exposure to some of the world's most profitable businesses with a single, low-cost investment.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be worth considering. It is designed for investors who want broad international diversification beyond Australia. It invests across developed markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Its holdings include companies like Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Toyota Motor Corp (TYO: 7203), and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (FRA: MOH).

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

The Betashares Australian Quality ETF takes a quality-focused approach to Australian shares. Rather than simply tracking the biggest companies, it targets businesses with strong balance sheets, reliable earnings, and solid cash flow.

Top holdings include Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS). This ETF could suit beginners who want a more selective take on the local market. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Finally, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF adds a growth tilt to a beginner portfolio by tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index. It provides exposure to innovative companies shaping technology, healthcare, and consumer trends.

Holdings include Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

The post 5 fantastic ASX ETFs for beginners in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To illustrate, the ASX share with the longest streak of annual dividends increases on the ASX is income champion Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). But over in the US, there are more than 50 stocks that have increased their shareholder payouts for more than 50 years. Some, including Procter & Gamble Inc (NYSE: PG), are nudging 70.

But today, let's discuss two US stocks that don't yet have long dividend streaks, but are increasing their dividends at a breakneck pace.

Two US dividend stocks with fast-growing payouts

Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST)

First up, we have the famously bulk-focused supermarket operator, Costco. Although Costco still has a relatively small presence in Australia, there might be a few readers with a membership card in their wallets. Costco is one of the finest grocery retailers in the world, evidenced by its 1,300% stock price rise or so over the past 15 years. 

At first glance, this might not look like a dividend heavyweight, given Costco shares are trading on a rather paltry-looking dividend yield of 0.56%. However, what investors should note is how fast this dividend has been rising of late. Not to mention the 21-year streak of annual increases.

Back in 2020, Costco's quarterly dividend was worth 70 cents per share. But this was recently upped to $1.30 per share, representing a five-year growth average of 12.97% per annum. 

If these payouts keep rising at this rate (which one should never assume), long-term investors will be laughing all the way to the bank.

Visa Inc (NYSE: V)

Visa is a company we'd all be familiar with. In fact, there is a high likelihood that almost every reader would have a Visa card to their name as we speak. 

This company provides a global payments network, helping connect customers' bank accounts to retailers. As the world has shifted more and more of its payments away from cash and towards cards and other electronic transactions, Visa has been a prime beneficiary. Like Costco, it has seen phenomenal success in recent years, with its shares rising by more than 1,600% since this time in 2010. 

Again, you wouldn't think of Visa as a dividend stock, given its current yield of around 0.8%. However, Visa has been increasing its shareholder payments with gusto, raising the quarterly dividend from 30 cents per share in 2020 to its most recent payout of 67 cents. That's a five-year growth rate worth 14.87% per annum. 

The post These US stocks are growing their dividends like crazy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Warren Buffett is the most famous investor in the world. Even at 95 years of age and as he is about to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the Oracle of Omaha's investing wisdom and stock picks are worth serious consideration by anyone, considering that he has crushed it over the long run. 

With that said, let's consider two stocks that feature prominently in Berkshire's $315 billion portfolio: Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Visa (NYSE: V). These two market leaders account for 24.7% of the conglomerate's portfolio; they have made Buffett and his team plenty of money, and it's not too late to invest in them. 

Apple -- 23.8% of Berkshire's portfolio

Apple has been Berkshire Hathaway's top holding for years. Many have wondered why, especially since the tech company encountered plenty of headwinds over the past few years: slowing iPhone sales in China, tariff threats, and increased regulatory oversight over alleged monopolist practices.

Buffett has held on (though the conglomerate has decreased its stake) throughout it all. And Apple recently showed why, with a better-than-expected quarterly update. The company's sales and earnings are rising at a good clip thanks to its newer releases, especially the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 17.

Management said there were supply constraints that prevented the company from meeting the demand for those two products. As the company solves this problem, its iPhone sales and overall revenue should continue climbing at a good clip through this cycle of renewals.

So, even though the iPhone franchise is no longer the growth driver it was a decade ago, it is still driving growth in a more mature business that generates far higher sales. And there are plenty of other reasons to consider investing in Apple stock. Here are just two of them.

First, the company continues to grow its installed base. Apple's progress in this area helps strengthen its services ecosystem, which generates high-margin recurring revenue that will rise as its installed base and active paid subscriptions grow.

Second, Apple is a terrific dividend stock, especially compared to most of its peers in the trillion-dollar club. It increased its payouts by 100% in the past decade. The company also has a robust share repurchase plan, and in its fiscal year 2025, ended on Sept. 27, it returned $24 billion through dividends and share repurchases.

Apple has the cash to maintain that pace. It generated $98.8 billion in free cash flow over the trailing-12-month period. The company's capital allocation priorities are another great reason to buy the stock.

Visa -- 0.9% of Berkshire's portfolio

Visa has been part of Buffett's portfolio since 2011, and the shares of the payments leader have soundly beaten the market since then. One major reason is that Visa is helping push the cash displacement phenomenon. Customers are increasingly using credit and debit cards instead of cash.

Visa helps facilitate these digital transactions and charges a fee for each. There are several reasons credit cards have an advantage over cash and checks. First, speed. Card transactions are approved in the blink of an eye. Checks can take longer.

Second, convenience and security. Carrying loads of cash is burdensome and dangerous. And if someone steals it, there is little to do to stop them from using it. Credit cards, on the other hand, are easier to carry and conceal and can be restricted once stolen.

And lastly, digital payment methods are better adapted to our changing world, especially the rise of e-commerce.

All these and more have helped Visa significantly increase its total payment volume, revenue, and earnings over the past decade.

Here's another driver of its success: The company has a strong competitive advantage thanks to network effects. As the number of debit and credit cards with its name and logo grows, it becomes more attractive to merchants to accept them, granting them access to a large pool of potential customers.

Visa practically runs a duopoly with Mastercard, and it still has plenty of growth fuel: There remain trillions worth in cash and checks to bring into its ecosystem. The company should ride this tailwind for years to come.

Lastly, it's also a great dividend pick. Visa has increased its payouts by 378.6% over the past 10 years. In typical Buffett fashion, this is a top stock to buy and hold forever.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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That's why exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be such a powerful starting point, they offer simplicity, instant diversification, and exposure to high-quality companies without the stress of picking individual winners.

If you're new to the share market and want a strong foundation, here are three ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginner investors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF is one of the most popular choices for new investors, and for good reason. This ASX ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving you exposure to America's largest and most influential businesses.

Among its top holdings are Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO). These are all major players in their respective industries and key drivers of US market performance.

Eli Lilly is a pharmaceutical giant that has grown into one of the world's most valuable healthcare companies, powered by blockbuster drugs in areas such as diabetes and obesity treatment. Its strong research pipeline and global demand make it one of the most dependable earnings machines in the index.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If you want broad international diversification for your portfolio, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is hard to beat. This fund holds more than 1,200 stocks across major developed markets outside Australia, offering huge exposure with just a single trade.

Some of its largest positions include Nestle (SWX: NESN), Roche (SWX: ROG), and Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203). These are global leaders in consumer goods, healthcare, and automotive innovation.

Nestle is the Swiss food and beverage giant that owns household brands found in kitchens worldwide. Its global footprint, steady demand, and defensive earnings profile make it an anchor holding that helps smooth portfolio volatility when markets get bumpy.

Overall, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be ideal for beginners who want long-term international growth without having to worry about choosing individual global stocks.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

For those wanting a portfolio tilted toward high-quality, financially strong stocks, the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF could be an excellent option.

This ASX ETF screens for businesses with high returns on equity, stable earnings, and strong balance sheets. These are traits that typically reflect resilient, well-managed businesses. Among its major holdings are Visa (NYSE: V), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST).

Costco is the US retail giant that has built a powerful membership-based model that drives recurring revenue and high customer loyalty. Its disciplined operations and steady growth record make it a classic example of the kind of durable business the fund is designed to capture.

The team at BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF recently recommended this fund.

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The United States is simply home to a vast majority of the most dominant companies in the world. The likes of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) are wonderful, successful companies. But they just can't match the ubiquity of names like, for example, Apple, Amazon, or Coca-Cola.

So today, let's talk about three US stocks that I think have more potential than most of the stocks listed on the ASX. An investment in any of these three, in my view, could make long-term investors very wealthy.

3 US stocks that could make shareholders rich

Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST)

Supermarket chain Costco is first up here. If you haven't shopped at a Costco yet, you've probably heard about its buy-in-bulk store format or perhaps its rather unusual membership model. Unusual it may be, but it is also a raging success.

Costco continues to grow and expand into new markets, quarter after quarter, and year after year. It even counted the late, great Charlie Munger as one of its loudest backers. I would happily buy more Costco today as a solid bet on a future consumer staples titan.

Visa Inc (NYSE: V)

Speaking of titans, next up is a US stock that arguably already commands that status. Visa is one of the most well-known brands in the world in 2025. Chances are, you have at least one of their cards in your wallet right now. Together with its rival, Mastercard, these two companies form a significant part of the glue that holds the global payments system together.

In facilitating funds transfers between banks, customers and retailers, Visa gets to clip the ticket every time something is bought on its network. This has allowed the company's growth to explode in recent years as more and more payments shift from cash to cashless. As this trend is only in its infancy in many parts of the world, Visa's growth runway doesn't look like it's running out of room anytime soon.

Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX)

Our final US stock worth checking out today is another brand we'd probably all be familiar with. Netflix only launched in Australia ten years ago. Since then, it has literally become a household name, with its logo present on almost every television remote these days. Despite the company running out of new markets to launch in, it continues to grow.

The push to limit password sharing a few years ago has proven a massive success. With the company expanding into gaming and other market segments, I don't see us giving up our Netflix subscriptions anytime soon. Recently, this US stock announced a 10-for-1 stock split, which demonstrates the ongoing appetite for its shares.

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For many Australians, life is simply too busy, yet the goal remains the same: to grow wealth steadily over time without constant effort.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. They offer an easy way to invest in world-class stocks in a single trade. And for time-poor investors, the right ETFs can keep compounding quietly in the background, even if you only top them up once a year.

Here are three ASX ETFs I'd happily buy and hold on that schedule.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be a standout choice for investors who want quality without complication. It invests in US stocks that analysts believe possess "wide moats." These are durable competitive advantages that make it difficult for rivals to compete.

This means you are not just buying the biggest stocks; you are buying the most resilient ones. The fund's portfolio currently includes leading names such as Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Nike (NYSE: NKE), and Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS). These are businesses with strong brands, loyal customers, and sustainable pricing power.

Because the ASX ETF is actively rebalanced based on valuation and competitive strength, investors don't need to worry about timing the market or picking individual winners. For time-poor investors seeking high-quality, long-term compounding from globally recognised businesses, it is a simple and powerful option.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

If you could only buy one global ETF each year, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF would be near the top of my list. It invests in some of the world's strongest and most consistently profitable companies.

The fund's holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Visa (NYSE: V), Nestle (SWX: NESN), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). These are companies known for their stability, earnings power, and global reach.

For investors with limited time, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF provides a sleep well at night approach to global investing. It quietly goes about its business, diversifying across industries and regions, focusing on high-quality names, and allowing compounding to work steadily in the background.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

Closer to home, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF offers simple exposure to the ASX 300, capturing around 90% of the Australian share market's total value.

That means instant diversification across major sectors like banking, mining, healthcare, and retail, all in one investment. Its top holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), giving investors access to the backbone of the Australian economy.

For investors who only want to invest once a year, it could be a great way to capture the long-term performance of the local market without the stress of picking individual stocks.

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Not to mention a myriad of ASX and US stocks.

This has been fantastic for anyone already invested in these assets. But it complicates matters for those who have money on the sidelines, ready to invest. Many, if not most, high-quality businesses on both the ASX 200 and the S&P 500 are now trading at levels that most experts might call elevated.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is arguably the local poster child for this problem. However, we have seen shares ranging from National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) climb to previously unseen heights and valuations in 2025.

Ditto with S&P 500 stocks like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN).

So if I had $5,000 to invest in assets today, where would I turn to?

S&P 500? How I would invest $5,000 today

To start with, I would still happily buy broad-market index funds, such as the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) or the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). These investments, which represent entire stock markets, are still expensive by historical standards.

But I believe buying small chunks of them at regular intervals using a dollar-cost averaging strategy is a sound way to navigate the current investing environment. Saying that, anyone who likes the sound of this strategy has to commit to a plan. It doesn't work effectively if you only buy shares when you feel comfortable about investing.

As Warren Buffett once said, "Keep buying it through thick and thin, and especially through thin".

Aside from index funds, I still think there are stocks out there, on both the S&P 500 and the ASX 200, that present good value. Investors need to do their homework to find them, though.

Yesterday, I discussed a few S&P 500 stocks that I think still represent compelling buying opportunities at current valuations. Those included Google-owner Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL), Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO), Visa Inc (NYSE: V), McDonald's Corp (NYSE: MCD), and McCormick & Company Inc (NYSE: MKC).

Here on the ASX, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) and MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF) still look interesting. As does Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) for the long-term investor.

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Last Friday night (our time), the S&P 500 hit yet another new all-time record high, this one 6,532.65 points. It's just the latest high in a year that has seen dozens of new records for this index.

As the S&P 500 tracks the largest 500 companies listed on the US markets, it's a useful proxy for the entire American stock market.

Although new highs for indexes like the S&P 500 are fantastic for investors who already have substantial sums invested in stocks, it can make life difficult for those investors who have cash sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be useful.

As most ASX investors would know, it's been harder and harder to find quality ASX shares on our local markets trading at attractive pricing. But what about the US markets? Are there still American stocks that might provide value for ASX investors even with the S&P 500 at all-time highs?

Where to find value on the S&P 500 right now

Firstly, ASX investors shouldn't just assume that all of the S&P 500's 'Magnificent 7' tech giants are overvalued, just because they've been on a tear for the past few months (or years).

For example, Google-owner Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) has rallied a significant 19.2% over just the past month. Yet it still trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.4.

That's pretty cheap in my view, seeing as Alphabet reported quarterly year-on-year revenue growth of 14% to US$96.4 billion back in July, as well as a 20% spike in net income to US$28.2 billion.

Compare Alphabet's P/E ratio to, say, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which are today trading at P/E ratios of 25.5 and 35.5, respectively, and Alphabet looks like a pretty compelling US stock right now.

As a side note, both Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) stock are also trading at a similar earnings multiple to that of Wesfarmers, despite recently posting far better growth numbers.

More US stocks that look interesting at current prices

Another S&P 500 stalwart that I think offers fair value today is Visa Inc (NYSE: V). This company is the most dominant provider of electronic and cashless payments around the world. In July, it posted a 14% year-on-year rise in quarterly revenues to US$10.2 billion and a 19% rise in net income to US$5.8 billion.

Many investors, including myself, expect Visa to continue to enjoy a long growth runway for years to come, thanks to the ongoing global transition to cashless payments.

Visa currently trades on a P/E ratio of 33.5, which again looks pretty compelling compared to what ASX shares are currently offering.

Other stocks that offer decent value to ASX investors right now include Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO), McDonald's Corp (NYSE: MCD), and spice stock McCormick & Company Inc (NYSE: MKC).

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Even professionals don't always get it right, and owning the wrong stock at the wrong time can set your portfolio back years.

The good news is that you don't actually need to pick single stocks to build serious wealth in the share market.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. With a handful of ASX ETFs, you can gain exposure to hundreds (or even thousands) of the world's best businesses, all while keeping your investing strategy simple.

Start with an Australian core

For local exposure, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is a natural building block for investors to start with.

It tracks the ASX 300 index, giving you instant ownership of names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). That means your portfolio rises and falls with the performance of 300 of Australia's biggest and most established businesses.

Add international diversification

The Australian market makes up less than 2% of global equities, so it is vital to look offshore for investment ideas. The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) provides exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. stocks, including leaders such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Visa (NYSE: V), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

For an even wider net, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) spreads your investment across more than 1,200 stocks from developed markets around the globe. That means ownership of everything from ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML) in semiconductors to LVMH (FRA: MOH) in luxury goods.

Tilt toward long-term trends

Beyond broad market exposure, thematic ETFs let you target powerful megatrends.

For example, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ) gives you access to innovators like Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) in robotic surgery and Keyence in automation. These are areas expected to reshape industries over the next few decades and could be great long term focuses.

Alternatively, there are the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) and the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: HACK) to consider.

Foolish takeaway

By combining core market ETFs with international diversification and exposure to megatrends, you can build a wealth-generating portfolio without ever picking a single stock. It is a strategy that's simple, diversified, and designed to compound steadily over the long term.

For most investors, that's exactly the kind of approach that leads to financial freedom.

The post How to build wealth with ASX ETFs and never pick a single stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While the ASX has no shortage of high-quality shares, it represents only a fraction of the global market. By combining local opportunities with world-class international businesses, investors can build portfolios that are stronger and more resilient.

With that in mind, here are my top picks from the ASX 200 and the S&P 500 for the month of September.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is one of the ASX's most successful growth stories. Over the past century, it is has transformed from being wholly owned by the Australian federal government to a global biotechnology powerhouse with operations in more than 100 countries and 29,000 employees.

The company's therapies and vaccines enjoy high barriers to entry, which protect its market share and allow it to generate consistent earnings. While recent results and restructuring news have spooked the market, CSL still managed to post double-digit profit growth in FY 2025.

And with cost savings and a planned spin-off of its vaccines arm on the horizon, as well as robust demand for immunoglobulins, the long-term outlook remains very strong for this ASX 200 share.

So, with its shares trading close to a 52-week low, CSL looks like a quality compounder on sale. For investors with patience, this could be an excellent time to add it to a portfolio.

Visa Inc (NYSE: V)

Turning to the U.S., Visa is a true global leader in payments. The company processes trillions of dollars of transactions annually across its network, benefiting from powerful tailwinds as the world continues its shift from cash to digital payments.

Visa shares have climbed an impressive 25% over the past 12 months but have recently pulled back from their highs. For long-term investors, that weakness could be an opportunity.

With its unrivalled global scale, brand recognition, and consistent ability to generate free cash flow, Visa has all the hallmarks of a long-term compounder.

Foolish takeaway

CSL and Visa may come from different markets and industries, but they share the traits that make them attractive to buy-and-hold investors. They have sustainable competitive advantages, strong cash generation, and long runways for growth.

By blending a world-class ASX healthcare giant with a U.S. payments leader, investors can enjoy the benefits of both homegrown stability and international growth.

The post My top ASX 200 and S&P 500 picks for September appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In general, Warren Buffett has stayed away from tech companies in Berkshire Hathaway's investment portfolio. But one big tech trend has expanded well beyond tech companies: artificial intelligence (AI). AI is everywhere, and if a business isn't using it to improve productivity and reduce costs, it's going to fall behind.

In fact, some of Berkshire's biggest investments are looking to advance AI research, with clear business benefits if they can improve their algorithms and effectively implement new use cases for generative AI. As such, about 40% of Berkshire's $293 billion portfolio is invested in five companies pushing AI forward.

1. Apple (21.8% of portfolio value)

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has been slow to develop generative AI capabilities. After showing off plans for its Apple Intelligence system over a year ago, the company made very slow progress. Meanwhile, other big tech names continue to push new models and capabilities to their platforms, leaving Apple in the dust.

Apple's biggest challenge is maintaining security and privacy for its users. As a result, it's focused on on-device AI. Practically every other AI system relies on remote servers with powerful GPUs loaded with tons of high-bandwidth memory. That makes them much more powerful, but far less private. As a result, Apple's handicapped itself by focusing on capabilities it can run on an iPhone or Mac.

There's still a lot of time for Apple to catch up though. Its ecosystem of products still has very high retention rates, and with an expanding services segment, more and more users are unlikely to give up their iPhone. In fact, that observation is what led Buffett to make his initial investment in Apple. Its strong brand and customer loyalty give it a massive competitive advantage.

Apple is reportedly exploring potential acquisitions that could expand its AI capabilities, including the potential purchase of Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine. With $133 billion in cash and marketable securities on its balance sheet, Apple can afford to make a big acquisition if it needs to.

Apple stock isn't exactly cheap right now, though. The stock currently trades for about 30 times forward earnings expectations. That high price may be why Buffett sold off about two-thirds of Berkshire's stake in the company last year.

2. Amazon (0.8%)

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) was also slow to catch onto the AI trend relative to its peers in cloud computing. It worked quickly to catch up, though, developing Amazon Bedrock and acquiring a significant stake in Anthropic, ensuring access to leading edge models and a massive customer for Amazon Web Services.

Since mid-2023, Amazon's cloud computing segment, AWS, has reaccelerated its growth, driving strong demand for AI services on its platform. In fact, management says it remains supply constrained and committed to spending about $100 billion on capital expenditures this year, mostly going toward building new data centers.

Meanwhile, Amazon's integrated AI capabilities into its logistics network to ensure inventory is well positioned across its warehouses in the United States. That's enabled it to offer more items with one-day shipping for Prime members and reduce its shipping expenses per unit. As a result, Amazon's retail business has seen strong operating margin improvement over the last few years.

Amazon's decision to sink tons of cash into building new data centers to meet the insatiable demand for AI-related compute has weighed on its free cash flow. As a result, the stock looks expensive relative to its free cash flow over the trailing 12 months. But if and when Amazon takes its foot off the gas with capital spending, it should prove a good value at its current price with strong future free cash flows.

3. American Express (15.8%)

Even a company that's 175 years old can still prove an innovator in AI. American Express (NYSE: AXP) looked to incorporate AI across its business, and it's helping improve its operations.

American Express uses AI to help identify and prevent fraud for its customers. Its algorithms can analyze real-time data and help make a decision whether a transaction is suspicious and needs further confirmation or not.

Amex also uses AI to target offers for potential and existing customers. These help improve its marketing efforts, optimizing customer acquisition costs and retention rates.

Internally, Amex integrated AI into its IT support system, which dramatically reduced the number of tickets requiring human intervention. Its travel concierge team also uses generative AI tools to curate travel recommendations personalized for each customer based on their purchasing habits with Amex.

One of the fastest growing sources of revenue for Amex over the past few years has been the annual fees on its cards. Its ability to continue raising the fees on its products speaks to the strength of its brand and its ability to provide better customer experience and create more enticing offers for its customers.

With the stock trading at 20 times earnings, shares still look relatively attractive. The company is pushing its revenue growth higher led by higher annual fees without losing customers, and that's pushing its margins higher as well. As such, the company's expected to produce double-digit earnings-per-share growth.

4. & 5. Visa (1%) and Mastercard (0.8%)

Visa (NYSE: V) and Mastercard (NYSE: MA) are both using AI in similar ways to improve their payments networks. Like Amex, they've each developed their own machine learning algorithms to help prevent fraudulent transactions. But they're also developing tools for AI that could increase the number of transactions on their payments networks.

Visa and Mastercard are developing systems that will enable AI agents to use credit card credentials to make transactions on behalf of individuals or businesses. By working with AI systems to ensure security, both payments networks are positioning themselves to be at the center of advancements in agentic AI capabilities. For example, you could have AI restock office supplies and cater next week's lunch, and it will simply do it without any further input.

Both payments networks are well positioned, winning the vast majority of electronic payments partnerships with credit card issuing banks. As the two largest payments networks, they exhibit strong economies of scale and produce very high margins. And if AI can push more transactions onto their networks, it could see improved revenue and profits over the next few years.

The two stocks trade for much higher valuations than American Express, at 31 times earnings for Visa and 35 times earnings for the smaller, but faster-growing Mastercard. Those valuations may be a bit high for both companies, as they're expected to grow revenue at a high-single-digit to low-double-digit rate with modest operating margin expansion. While both companies have strong competitive moats thanks to their scale, it might be worth holding off for a better price.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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For those with $5,000 to invest, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide simple, diversified exposure to some of the most powerful trends shaping global markets.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering as we move into the new month.

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

For investors with a higher risk appetite, the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF could be worth considering. It offers exposure to the rapidly growing cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. But rather than holding digital coins directly, this ASX ETF invests in companies building and supporting the digital asset ecosystem — from crypto exchanges and miners to blockchain infrastructure firms.

While the sector remains volatile, growing institutional adoption and the development of regulated crypto markets could provide long-term tailwinds.

Its holdings currently include Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), Marathon Digital (NASDAQ: MARA), and MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR). These are businesses that are helping to build the infrastructure and applications around digital assets.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF could be another ASX ETF to look at. It focuses on high quality companies with strong balance sheets, high returns on equity, and steady earnings growth. This could make it an appealing option for investors who want a degree of resilience in uncertain markets.

The ETF's holdings include companies like Visa (NYSE: V), a global payments leader benefiting from the ongoing shift toward cashless transactions, and Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX), an entertainment giant with over 300 million subscribers. These quality-driven businesses help anchor portfolios through volatility while still offering growth potential.

Betashares recently tipped this fund as one to consider buying.

Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

Cloud computing is one of the most important growth drivers in global technology, with businesses investing heavily in scalable, secure infrastructure. The Betashares Cloud Computing ETF provides exposure to leading names like Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), a data warehousing and analytics specialist, and Twilio (NYSE: TWLO), which powers cloud-based communication services used by companies around the world.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into enterprise operations, demand for cloud-based services is likely to accelerate, positioning the fund's holdings to benefit from this multi-year trend.

For this reason, it was no surprise to see Betashares recently tip it as one to buy.

The post Invest $5,000 into these ASX ETFs in August appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.