Macro Monday – “Good news is bad”, and it is weighing on stocks; go figure!

Over recent sessions, weakness in the ASX has also been amplified by several heavyweight stocks trading ex-dividend. Subscribers have probably gleaned from reports that September is historically the market’s weakest month since 1992, declining on average over -0.9%, almost twice as bad as the infamous May! However, putting this into perspective, the ASX200 has already fallen over twice its usual decline in September.

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Latest Reports

Morning report 22/01/2026 09:44

What Matters Today: Have uranium stocks run too far?

The ASX 200 slipped another 0.4% on Wednesday, its third consecutive decline, which was not enough to take the index into negative territory for the year, but it's trying hard. After a brief attempt to bounce on Tuesday, the growth stocks returned to the losers enclosure while the resources delivered another standout performance to mitigate the day's decline.

Afternoon report 21/01/2026 17:40

The Match Out: Resources cap market weakness, Paladin (PDN) up 13%

The ASX fell for a third consecutive session, although strength in some pockets (resources) was enough to only see modest declines at the index level. Tech and banks the major drags, while Gold rallied another $US100/oz to hit yet another record high at $US4871/oz - so much for it being a crowded trade!

Alerts 21/01/2026 09:44

Trade Alerts – Growth, Income, Emerging Companies & Core ETF Portfolios

We are making multiple changes across all domestic portfolios

Morning report 21/01/2026 09:39

Portfolio Positioning: “Trump Jitters” come early in 2026

The ASX200 retreated another -0.7% on Tuesday, leaving the index up only +1.2% for 2026 - not too bad considering the current geopolitical tensions unsettling markets. Selling wasn’t particularly broad-based in yesterday’s session, with over 40% of the main board closing higher, but when the “Big Four” banks and BHP Group (BHP) find themselves in the naughty corner, the local bourse is always going to struggle.

Alerts 20/01/2026 17:33

Trade Alerts – International Equities Portfolio

We are reducing several positions in the International Equities Portfolio

Afternoon report 20/01/2026 17:06

The Match Out: Tariff jitters send ASX lower

The ASX traded lower for a second consecutive session as renewed trade tensions rattled global risk appetite, following President Trump’s threat to impose fresh tariffs on European nations over Greenland.

Morning report 20/01/2026 09:43

What Matters Today: Reviewing the six new additions to the ASX200

Monday saw the ASX 200 open softly and drift lower to close down -0.3% following President Trump's threats to impose levies on countries opposing his plans to take control of Greenland. Conversely, safe-haven demand pushed gold to fresh all-time highs near $US4,700, while silver surged more than 4%, also notching new record highs. Not surprisingly, gold stocks followed suit, but if MM is correct, it’s time to consider taking some money off the table in precious metals.

Afternoon report 19/01/2026 16:45

The Match Out: Trump inspired weakness hits ASX as volumes pick up

Weakness crept back into the market today as more traders got back behind their desks post Christmas break, with volumes increasing across the board. After a flat start to trade, US Futures came under pressure as Trump threatened 10% tariffs on several European countries from February, rising to 25% in June, unless the European Union agrees to negotiations linked to the “purchase of Greenland”.

Morning report 19/01/2026 09:53

Macro Monday: Back on deck for a big 2026!

It is still early, but so far the year has been encouraging for global equity investors, with stocks pushing higher through January as markets look to extend a fourth consecutive year of solid returns. However, bulls are facing their first crucial test of 2026 with Greenland tensions growing and quarterly US earnings about to start.

Afternoon report 24/12/2025 14:24

The Match Out: ASX slips, Happy Christmas All

A softer session today, giving back a portion of yesterday's solid move, though trading was quiet; volumes anemic and most focus is now on the Christmas break, with a 2.10pm close this afternoon.