What Matters Today: How to best structure portfolios for the end of this hiking cycle

The ASX200 struggled on Wednesday with many traders taking a back seat ahead of last night’s important US CPI (inflation) data, the index ultimately closed down -0.5% basically at the same level we started August. Selling was broad-based with 70% of the main index closing in the red but with the influential Banking Sector closing higher, even as Commonwealth Bank (CBA) slipped -0.3%, losses were limited i.e. for fireworks to be lit under the index we generally need to see the Resources & Banks run in one direction.

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Morning report 26/03/2026 09:30

What Matters Today: Inflation eases—are rate-sensitive stocks back in play?

The ASX 200 rallied 155 points (+1.85%) on Wednesday, its strongest session in two months, driven by an improving tone in the Middle East conflict and a softer-than-expected CPI print. The Middle East remains the key driver, but better than feared economic data always helps.

Afternoon report 25/03/2026 16:58

The Match Out: ASX surges as soft CPI and ‘progress’ in the Middle East combine for the index’s best day 2 months

The ASX enjoyed a strong rebound today, bouncing sharply as investors latched onto two positives at once. Brent crude rolled over in Asian trade after the US President purportedly presented Iran with a 15-point plan to end the conflict, helping to calm nerves. At the same time, the February CPI print came in a touch softer than feared, giving the market some confidence that domestic inflation pressures are easing.

Morning report 25/03/2026 09:43

Portfolio Positioning: Looking through the noise from the Iran War

The ASX200 managed to close up +0.2% on Tuesday, but it wasn’t pretty with the index ending the session more than 100 points below its early morning high. The issue was the credibility of President Trump's claims that talks are underway to end the conflict with Iran, where reports of such talks were called “Fake News.” The attacks continue, although Trump has postponed strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing “productive conversations” with Tehran.

Afternoon report 24/03/2026 16:52

The Match Out: Materials drive early bounce, ASX fades through the session

The ASX finished modestly higher but well off its intraday highs after an early relief rally faded as the geopolitical backdrop in the Middle East remained fluid. The index surged more than +130pts at the open, briefly pushing 8500, before momentum cooled as US futures slipped gradually through the day.

Alerts 24/03/2026 16:13

Trade Alerts – International Equities Portfolio

We are making several changes to the International Equities Portfolio

Alerts 24/03/2026 10:13

Trade Alerts – Active Growth & Emerging Companies Portfolio

We are making several changes across portfolios

Morning report 24/03/2026 13:54

What Matters Today: Does MM see value in the iron ore miners as the bulk commodity pushes higher?

The ASX200 ended a volatile session more than 100 points off its early morning low, down only 0.7%. Selling was fairly brutal on open, as was expected, but investors steadily bought the dip through the day, with over 40% of the main board managing to close positive.

Afternoon report 23/03/2026 16:45