Insights

During the month, the ASX has risen about 3.5%, reversing much of the weakness following the US tariff’s announcement and the daily barrage of policy decisions from the Trump administration. Tariff uncertainty continues to create confusion globally and is delaying many business decisions until more clarity is achieved. Company executives are increasingly expressing concern, as […]

It may surprise many that the ASX finished slightly up for the month, following the drop subsequent to the Trump inspired “Liberty Day” tariff announcements. ASX200 (1-Month) The US market has also rebounded from recent lows, but is still down year-to-date. S&P500 (1-month) Volatility remains a feature of the share market, as erratic US tariff

During the month, the ASX dropped about 3%, following the lead of the US with the S&P500 down 4.5%. However, the market has rallied off its low point for the month, down 8.2% at the time. Leading the drop in the US the mega-cap technology companies traded lower following a strong prior period. The NASDAQ

During the month, the All Ordinaries index fell about 2.5%. Considering many stocks are trading ex-dividend, the market has been fairly stable. ASX 200 chart (1-month) The US market was down about 0.95% over the same period. Taking such a short-term snapshot of the market can be problematic. A longer-term view is far more constructive

We hope you enjoyed a relaxing break and you are looking forward to a successful year ahead. During the month of January, the ASX rose 3%. The market continued to oscillate on daily news items, mainly relating to the US reporting season which is currently underway. While high interest rates and cost of living pressures

Firstly, we would like to wish our readers all the best for Christmas and a very happy and prosperous 2025. The ASX has returned approximately 15% in 2024 YTD, when combining price and dividends. Whilst this return is strong, it is certainly not unusual. In fact, over the past 150 years the ASX has returned

The market has risen about 2.5% during the month, driven largely by the outcome of the US election on November 5th which correlates with many historical post-election trends. Inflation Elections tend to favour spending regardless of the outcome. Specific Trump policies that may add to inflation include increasing tariffs (raising cost of goods) and deportation

The market finished the month relatively flat, down less than 1%. Many companies provided updates at their AGMs, with costs continuing to be in focus. Wage inflation appears to be relatively entrenched, whilst other contributing factors to the inflation calculation are dropping. The cost of energy, for example, is down nearly 14% in the past

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