Successful stock investors track their performance, analyze holdings, and make data-driven decisions. The right software does this automatically, saving hours each month.
This guide covers the best financial software for Australian investors: portfolio trackers, stock analysis tools, tax reporting software, and automation platforms.
Types of Financial Software
There are three categories you need to know about:
1. Portfolio Trackers: Monitor your holdings and performance
2. Stock Analysis Tools: Research companies before buying
3. Tax Software: Calculate capital gains and dividends for tax time
Best Portfolio Tracking Software
1. Sharesight (Australian)
What it does: Tracks your ASX and international portfolio performance. Automatically calculates dividends, capital gains, and tax-ready reports.
Best for: ETF investors, dividend portfolio trackers, tax reporting.
Cost: Free for basic, $49-99/year for premium
Why use it: ASX-focused, integrates with Australian brokers, generates tax reports Australians need.
2. Yahoo Finance
What it does: Free portfolio tracking, stock quotes, market news, and watchlists.
Best for: Beginners, free tracking, casual investors.
Cost: Free
Why use it: No cost, good interface, integrates well with brokers.
3. Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets
What it does: Build custom spreadsheets to track holdings, calculate returns, monitor dividends.
Best for: DIY investors, complete customization, learning spreadsheet skills.
Cost: Free (Google Sheets) or subscription (Microsoft Office)
Why use it: Complete control, learn how calculations work.
Best Stock Analysis Software
1. TradingView
What it does: Professional-grade charting, technical analysis tools, screening for stocks matching your criteria.
Best for: Technical traders, pattern analysis, screening stocks.
Cost: Free basic, $15-199/month for premium
Why use it: Professional tools available to retail investors, live market data, powerful screener.
2. ASX Website & Market Data
What it does: Free access to official ASX company data, financials, announcements.
Best for: Fundamental analysis, company research.
Cost: Free
Why use it: Official source, free, contains everything you need to research companies.
3. Morningstar Australia
What it does: Fund and stock research, ratings, ETF comparison, performance data.
Best for: ETF research, mutual fund comparison, detailed fund analysis.
Cost: Free basic, $199/year for premium
Why use it: Most detailed ETF data in Australia, independent research, professional ratings.
Best Tax Software for Investors
1. Tax Agent / Accountant
What it does: Professional tax planning and return preparation.
Best for: Complex portfolios, large portfolios, peace of mind.
Cost: $300-1000+ depending on complexity
Why use it: Maximizes deductions, ensures compliance, saves time and stress.
2. Sharesight (Tax Reports)
What it does: Generates capital gains reports, dividend reports, everything needed for tax time.
Best for: Australian investors with standard portfolios.
Cost: Included in premium plan (~$99/year)
Why use it: Built for Australia, automates tax calculations, saves accountant fees.
Comparison Table
| Software | Cost | Best For | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharesight | $49-99/year | Australian investors | Easy |
| Yahoo Finance | Free | Portfolio tracking | Very easy |
| TradingView | Free-$199/month | Technical analysis | Moderate-Hard |
| Google Sheets | Free | Custom tracking | Easy-Moderate |
| Morningstar | Free-$199/year | ETF research | Easy |
Recommended Software Stack for Beginners
Month 1: Yahoo Finance (free) + ASX website research
Month 2-3: Add Sharesight ($99/year) for tax tracking
Month 4+: Add TradingView (free version) if doing more analysis
Software You Don't Need
❌ Paid portfolio apps charging monthly subscriptions (free alternatives exist)
❌ "Trading signal" software (doesn't beat market-wide strategies)
❌ Overly complex analysis tools (simplicity wins)
Key Features to Look For
✓ Broker integration: Automatically imports your trades
✓ Mobile app: Monitor portfolio on the go
✓ Tax reporting: Generates reports for accountants
✓ Performance tracking: Shows your real returns
✓ Dividend tracking: Monitors all dividend income
Disclaimer: This article compares available tools. Software features, pricing, and availability change. Verify current offerings before purchasing. We may earn commissions from affiliate links at no cost to you.