After reporting season ended, the ASX was up approximately 1.5% during September. Companies able to control costs and maintain or improve margins were rewarded. The Financials sector accounts for about 30% of the ASX, performed well as net-interest-margins (NIM) for the banks remained around 2% and bad-and-doubtful debts didn’t materially deteriorate. Commonwealth Bank (CBA) …
During August, the market reached new all-time highs, up 1.7% excluding dividends and 2% with dividends included. The total return, including dividends, has been nearly 17% during the past year-to-date. US Fed Chair Powell’s comments at the Jackson Hole conference were perceived to be dovish, suggesting interest rates will be going lower, provided impetus to …
The start to the new financial year has seen the market record new highs, reaching 8000 for the ASX200 for the first time before finishing relatively flat. We regularly comment in this newsletter on the performance of the market and individual companies, there are, however, several other factors impacting portfolio performance. Asset allocation is very …
The first half of the year has seen big movements in numerous markets keeping investors on their toes. The ASX is trading close to all-time highs as are many indices globally. The predicted hard-landing and recession has not eventuated, as governments globally have undertaken stimulatory policy settings and spending money. This printing and spending of …
After a fall of nearly 3% in April, the market has rallied nearly 2% in May. Several market records have been broken recently, with several indices setting new highs. The Accumulation index is the total return from the top 200 ASX listed businesses, including dividends. Dividends are critical in the domestic market as companies tend …
The ASX ended the month down about 3.5%. The market drifted lower earlier in the month as tensions in the middle east spiked, then rallied as the threat of escalating war retreated. Whilst this increased tension initially put upward pressure on energy prices (in particular oil), the price has since dropped to finish the month …
The market has risen approximately 0.6% in March, extending the move up from the lows in November 2023 to above 14% (excl. dividends). The Australian market has risen approximately 8% during the past 12 months. ASX 200 Index (12 months) This compares for the 27% from the US S&P 500 index The US market has …
During the past month, most ASX listed companies reported earnings results. Overall, results have been better than expected as forecasts were set quite low given a range of macroeconomic risks. Inflation has impacted input costs, in particular wage inflation. In fact, it has been reported that treasury analysis shows the average fulltime salary above $100,000 …
We trust you enjoyed a relaxing break. It is at this time when we see predictions being made for the year, the best way to approach the market, sectors that will outperform and any number of alternative outcomes. A similar exercise may have been enjoyed amongst friends during a holiday BBQ for fun. A similar …
This year amplified the difficulty in predicting markets and the frailties of the human condition on short-term reactions to an art/science which requires long-term thinking. At the start of 2023 the outlooks for the Australian share market were almost unanimous in predictions of doom. One must feel for the poor investors who sold based on …
