10 Best Shares to Buy Today in Australia (Updated 2026)

Investing in 10 Best shares Australian shares can be a smart way to grow wealth over time. With the ASX 200 showing strong market performance and high-performing shares choosing the right stocks today can provide dividend yield capital growth and long-term stability for investors looking beyond traditional assets like residential property.

Historically Australian stocks have often outpaced property returns. Companies like BHP CSL and CBA have delivered steady gains while smaller mid-cap ASX and small-cap ASX stocks offer future market leader potential. Understanding the market and selecting value-oriented shares is key to maximizing returns.

For investors seeking the 10 Best ASX shares to buy 2026 presents opportunities across sectors. From technology sector innovators like Wise Tech Global to industrial stocks such as Goodman Group this guide highlights high-performing shares that combine growth dividend yield and strategic advantages helping you confidently build a diversified portfolio.

Quick Info

ASX Code	Company Name	Sector	Investment Theme	Dividend Focus	Growth Outlook
BHP	BHP Group Ltd	Resources	Iron ore, copper & lithium exposure	High	Moderate–Strong
CBA	Commonwealth Bank	Financials	Market-leading bank & income stock	Very High	Moderate
CSL	CSL Limited	Healthcare	Global biotech & plasma therapies	Moderate	Strong
RIO	Rio Tinto Ltd	Resources	Decarbonisation & energy transition metals	High	Moderate
GMG	Goodman Group	Industrial REIT	Logistics, data centres & e-commerce	Moderate	Strong
MQG	Macquarie Group	Financials	Global asset management & infrastructure	Moderate	Strong
WES	Wesfarmers Ltd	Consumer	Defensive retail & everyday spending	High	Moderate
NAB	National Australia Bank	Financials	Business banking & dividend income	High	Moderate
WTC	WiseTech Global	Technology	Global logistics SaaS platform	Low	Very Strong
DRO	DroneShield Ltd	Technology / Defence	Counter-drone security solutions	Low	High (Speculative)nnnnn

Why Australian Shares Are Better than Property Returns

Over the past decade many Australians viewed residential property as the safest investment due to soaring house prices RBA interest rate cuts and government incentives like the Help to Buy Scheme. However the ASX 200 has recently outpaced property returns. For example over the past two years:

• ASX 200 achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1%
• Capital city housing recorded a CAGR of just 9.6%
  Shares also provide dividend yields, recurring revenue and compounding growth making them a strong alternative even when mortgage affordability is challenging.

Anecdotally one colleague bought property in the 2023 boom with high debt while another invested in shares like BHP CSL and CBA. A few years later despite temporary market swings:

• The shares outperform property
• Long-term patience and consistent investing proved more profitable
  This highlights the value of Australian shares as a viable and often superior investment compared to property.

How We Selected the 10 Best ASX shares to Buy in Australia

The 10 shares listed below were carefully chosen based on:

1. Market performance and analyst consensus – Only companies with strong earnings growth FY26 positive analyst consensus and solid market cap were included.
2. Long-term investment potential – Companies with durable competitive advantages, recurring revenue and strong return on invested capital (ROIC) were prioritized.
3. Sector diversity – The list spans the Australian financial sector technology sector industrial stocks and resources providing a mix of small-cap ASX mid-cap ASX and ASX 200 stocks.
4. Future market leaders – Companies poised to become ASX 50 or even ASX 20 leaders in the next decade.

This methodology ensures investors can confidently select high-performing shares with growth potential and dividend yield.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) – Iron Ore and Future-Facing Commodities

BHP Group Ltd is a cornerstone of the Australian financial market producing essential commodities such as iron ore, copper and lithium.

• Dividend yield: Consistently reliable payouts
• Growth potential: Tied to global infrastructure and decarbonisation metals
• Market performance: One of the most stable high-performing shares on the ASX 200

Investors looking for a combination of value-oriented shares and long-term growth should consider BHP. The company also benefits from ongoing demand for industrial metals and resource exports.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) – Dividend Powerhouse

CBA is the largest bank in Australia and a staple in the Australian financial sector. Its dividend yield is among the highest of all ASX shares 10 Best ASX shares making it ideal for income-focused investors.

• Bank shares with stable returns
• Strong price-to-earnings ratio
• Essential component of ASX 200 performance

Despite periodic pullbacks in share price CBA’s market cap and operational efficiency make it a dependable long-term holding.

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) – Global Healthcare Innovator

CSL Limited is a leader in plasma therapies and biotechnology serving markets worldwide. Its strong recurring revenue and future market leader potential make it a defensive pick in uncertain economic times.

• Growth potential: Driven by global healthcare demand
• Dividend yield: Reliable payouts
• Exposure to future-facing sectors such as biotech and vaccines

CSL’s strong ROIC and ability to scale globally make it one of the most sought-after high-performing shares in Australia.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) – Resources and Decarbonisation Metals

Rio Tinto Ltd provides investors exposure to iron ore, lithium and other metals critical for renewable energy technologies.

• Dividend yield: Approximately 3.9%–4.0%
• Growth potential: Linked to global energy transition
• Essential for industrial stocks and future market leaders

Investors seeking both income and growth will find RIO shares compelling due to the strategic importance of its commodities in global markets.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) – Industrial Real Estate Investment

Goodman Group offers investors exposure to industrial property logistics hubs and data centers without the complications of residential property.

• Recurring revenue from long-term tenants
• Exposure to e-commerce growth
• Global scalability makes it a top high-performing share

Investing in GMG is a way to capture real estate investment gains without being tied to housing supply migration levels or mortgage affordability.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) Diversified Financial Leader

Macquarie Group Ltd combines asset management investment banking and infrastructure financing making it a unique ASX stock with both growth potential and dividend yield.

• Exposure to global markets and industrial stocks
• Strong analyst consensus and ROIC
• Part of the ASX 50 and a future market leader

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) – Everyday Consumer Power

Wesfarmers Limited owns Bunnings Kmart and Officeworks providing steady income and growth as a value-oriented share.

• Dividend yield: Stable and reliable
• Exposure to consumer spending and Australian financial market trends
• Defensive position during property boom cycles

National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) – Reliable Dividend Banking Stock

NAB is known for a competitive dividend yield and strong foothold in business banking.

• Key ASX 200 bank share
• Strong price-to-earnings ratio
• Positioned to benefit from RBA interest rate cuts and economic recovery

WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) – Global Logistics Software Leader

WiseTech Global develops the CargoWise platform essential for freight transport and logistics companies worldwide.

• Recurring revenue and SaaS platform model
• Positioned as a future market leader in technology sector
• High ROIC and long-term growth potential

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) – Counter-Drone Technology Innovator

DroneShield Ltd focuses on counter-drone technology, a niche with global growth in security and defense sectors.

• Exposure to high-performing shares and future market leaders
• Innovative entrepreneurial culture
• Rising market cap with strong growth potential

How to Buy These ASX Shares in 2026

Open a Reputable Broker Account

• CommSec 
• SelfWealth

Start with Small Investments

Even $500–$1000 can start your portfolio.

Diversify

Mix small-cap ASX mid-cap ASX and ASX 200 stocks to reduce risk.

Hold Long Term

Focus on compounding growth, dividend reinvestment and patience. Avoid chasing short-term market performance.

Conclusion

Investing in the 10 Best Shares to Buy Today in Australia (Updated 2026) provides a unique opportunity to capture both high-performing shares and value-oriented shares. By including ASX 200 stocks mid-cap ASX and small-cap ASX companies investors can enjoy dividend yield recurring revenue and long-term growth potential.

These carefully selected Australian shares span sectors from technology to industrial stocks ensuring diversification and exposure to future market leaders. With strategic investing patience and focus on market performance these ASX shares can outperform traditional residential property returns and deliver sustainable wealth over time.