3 smart ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

Investing doesn't have to be complicated. While markets will always move up and down in the short term, long-term investors are often rewarded for simply backing quality businesses and letting time do the work.

Whether you're after global growth, innovative industries, or proven earnings, the ASX offers a range of investment options that can help build wealth steadily over the next decade.

Here are three standout picks — a mix of ASX shares and ASX ETFs — that could be well suited to long-term investors in 2025.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is reshaping the future of sleep and respiratory care. Its cloud-connected CPAP machines and digital health tools are used by millions of patients worldwide, making it a leader in sleep apnoea treatment and remote patient monitoring.

Despite tough economic conditions, the ASX share continues to deliver strong revenue growth, underpinned by rising diagnosis rates, product innovation, and expansion into digital care. Its scale, data-driven ecosystem, and long-term demand tailwinds give it a durable competitive edge.

With an ageing population and growing awareness of sleep disorders, ResMed is well placed to deliver consistent growth well into the 2030s.

Goldman Sachs is very bullish on the company's outlook and has put a conviction buy rating and $49.00 price target on its shares.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors access to the biggest and most influential tech-driven companies listed on the Nasdaq — all in a single trade on the ASX.

The fund includes names like Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG)— global leaders in AI, cloud computing, semiconductors, and digital services. These companies aren't just participating in technological change — they're leading it.

This ASX ETF suits investors who want exposure to structural growth and innovation, without having to pick individual stocks. Over a 10-year horizon, this fund has the potential to ride the next wave of digital disruption.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Pilbara Minerals is one of Australia's leading lithium producers and plays a critical role in the global transition to electric vehicles and battery storage.

Its flagship Pilgangoora operation is one of the largest hard-rock lithium deposits in the world, giving the company scale and cost advantages that few competitors can match. Even with recent softness in lithium prices, Pilbara has remained profitable (excluding depreciation).

As demand for battery-grade lithium grows and supply remains constrained, Pilbara is well positioned to benefit from the next leg of the clean energy cycle.

Morgans has an add rating and $3.10 price target on the lithium miner's shares.

The post 3 smart ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2025