Insights

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

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