Ask James: Earnings are also near all-time highs

The second weak of April saw consolidation at the index level with the ASX closing the week 0.20% lower, a positive outcome really given the continued headwind from rising rates into a market that is just 2% below all time highs.

However, when we stand back and look at earnings, the most important driver of stocks over time, the profile of the ASX has been picking up thanks in part to higher commodity prices and in particular, plenty of upgrades in the Lithium space. While some question the strength of the market, earnings are also at a high and it’s not just driven by commodity prices, if we strip those out, the rest of the market is actually seeing an increase. The P/E of the market has moved from 20x at the end of 2020, back to 15.8x now which is only slightly above historical averages, and certainly not scary.

scroll

OPINION
ACTION

Latest Reports

Morning report 13/08/2025 09:31

Portfolio Positioning: Michele Bullock’s 0.25% cut helps push the ASX200 towards 9000

The ASX200 rallied another +0.4% on Tuesday, embracing the 0.25% RBA rate cut and accompanying dovish commentary. Credit markets are pricing in another 2-3 cuts over the coming 12-months; we think they're being too cautious.

Afternoon report 12/08/2025 17:14

The Match Out: RBA rate cut pushes stocks to another new high

Another new all-time high for the ASX today, buoyed by the expectation that today’s rate cut will be followed by several more; markets now expecting another 3-4 cuts in the next 12-months.

Morning report 12/08/2025 11:48

What Matters Today: Is yesterday’s jump a “Get out of Jail Free card” in lithium stocks?

The ASX200 closed up +0.4% on Monday, driven to new highs by a resources sector enjoying a new lease of life; it's already surged +6.7% so far in August. The lithium stocks led the charge following the news that CATL shut down one of the world's largest mines, but on the index level, it was BHP that added the most points, around 30% of the day's 38-point gain. Outside of the gold stocks, the Materials Sector was hot, from lithium to copper, and iron ore.

Afternoon report 11/08/2025 16:50

The Match Out: ASX books another all-time high (by 1 point), Lithium stocks jump on China mine shutdown

An interesting session to kick off the week with Lithium stocks roaring as a major mine in China suspended production after failing to extend a mining permit, putting a rocket under the sector which has significant short interest, the implication being more upside looks highly likely.

Morning report 11/08/2025 09:25

Macro Monday: The AI revolution will deliver Big Winners & Losers

Artificial intelligence’s (AI) influence on equity markets has been impossible to miss in recent years. Relative newcomer Nvidia Corp. is now the world’s most valuable company, with a market cap approaching $4.5 trillion, comfortably topping Apple Inc. (AAPL US) by a whopping $1 trillion.

Weekend report 09/08/2025 09:08

Weekend Q&A: The Bull remains intact as the ASX posts new highs, breaking above 8800

The ASX200 slipped lower on Friday but still managed to snap a two-week losing streak. The index finished up +1.7% over the five days, driven by strong gains by miners and rate-sensitive names. On the sector level, only healthcare retreated courtesy of renewed tariff jitters while the Materials sector surged over 5% higher, led by gold, rare earth and lithium stocks. A more than 30c gain by BHP in the US on Friday nights suggests there's more in this move. The extent of the gains in miners saw a number of the best performers outperform IRESS (IRE), and it received a takeover bid!

Afternoon report 08/08/2025 17:40

The Match Out: Another good week for the ASX as reporting builds momentum

The ASX finished the week sluggishly as the market took its foot off the gas with US tariffs on ~90 trading partners becoming effective yesterday. Despite the tremors, the index still managed to gain 1.7% over the period and is within striking distance of fresh all-time highs

Alerts 08/08/2025 10:22