What Matters Today: Do we prefer Oil or Gold in the current environment?

We wouldn’t attempt to guess how the horrendous situation in the Middle East will evolve over the coming days/weeks, but I’m sure everybody will be hoping for a quick resolution without much further loss of life. Unfortunately, it’s a very difficult and tense situation that may see Israel rapidly push back Hamas and regain control of their territories, but it’s unlikely to end there with a potential invasion of Gaza on the cards while the neighbouring countries hope for Israel to fail – whatever the outcome we feel the region will carry a renewed “risk factor” for many months to come.

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Latest Reports

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.

Morning report 24/12/2025 10:43

Portfolio Positioning: The Christmas rally kicks into gear

Firstly, from James, Shawn & the MM Team, we wish you a happy and safe festive season. Many thanks for being a wonderful group of members, and your ongoing support throughout the year. It's been a year of two halves for the ASX and MM in many ways, but we’re finishing on the right foot across all portfolios. In todays note, we’ll run through portfolio performance, in a lighter style Christmas Eve report. A reminder, if you are considering investment options in 2026, all Market Matters Portfolios are now open for investment, via Market Matters Invest Direct, including the International Equities Portfolio which has had a stellar year, up over 25%. We will continue to work hard in 2026, building on a solid 2025.

Afternoon report 23/12/2025 16:43

The Match Out: Santa rally in full swing as ASX soars, Goodman Group (GMG) inks major deal

The ASX finished sharply higher, extending its pre-Christmas rally as broad-based buying pushed the market to a six-week high and saw all sectors finish higher for the second day in a row. Optimism around US rate cuts, light year-end volumes and strong US markets overnight combined to lift risk appetite, with real estate and technology leading gains.