ASX Small Ords Index v US Russell 2000 (small-cap) Index

11/07/2025

ASX Small Ords Index v US Russell 2000 (small-cap) Index

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Morning report 30/03/2026

Macro Monday: The Iranian War is starting to challenge investors’ nerves & logic!

Markets remain fascinating at present, though an undercurrent of nervousness and confusion is clearly building. President Trump had previously “jawboned” both oil and bond markets into holding relatively firm in anticipation of a resolution, but that influence now appears to be fading. Headlines that would have supported risk assets only weeks ago are increasingly being largely ignored.

Weekend report 28/03/2026

Weekend Q&A: Markets still fear the Iranian conflict has no end in sight

The ASX200 finished a choppy week up +1%, a solid result given the index gapped down ~2% on Monday. Volatility was elevated, with three sessions posting 100-point intraday swings—moves that would typically define a month. Geopolitics remain front of mind: the US and Israel struck Iranian nuclear and steel facilities on Friday, prompting retaliation across the Persian Gulf. The escalation followed President Trump's delay of a deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Markets remain on edge, with Brent Crude above $US113 the key focus, the prolonged conflict is increasing the risk of more meaningful damage to the global economy.