Ask James: Tech dampens the New Year spirit

The ASX200 remains locked in on the 7400 area but its noticeable how much easier over recent weeks it can endure strong down days although lower volumes play a role as some lucky people enjoy extended holidays, this will probably return to normal next week and beyond. Overall the index finished the week down 60-points with strength in energy, resources and insurance stocks being unable to hold the market in positive territory amidst broad based selling.

Bond yields have dominated 2022 so far as they grind higher exerting pressure on growth names like tech while value stocks, which generally benefit from economic expansion, have commenced the year on the front foot, something the English cricket time feels unable to do. We believe there’s more fuel in this tank but the risk / reward is diminishing fast.

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Latest Reports

Afternoon report 16/04/2026 17:14

The Match Out: Tech roars but banks drag as the ASX slips

Morning report 16/04/2026 10:20

What Matters Today: The War Trade Unwinds – How to Reposition in Energy

The ASX200 again drifted lower after a strong open to finish Wednesday's session up just +0.1% - closing above the psychological 9000 level is proving tough after the recent strong run. The banks were again the main drag on the index, with the “Big Four Banks” all closing down on the day, with Westpac’s -1.9% fall the standout following their Tuesday update. On the sector level, the tech names outperformed for a change, gaining +2.4% while the energy names took the wooden spoon, slipping -1.9%.

Afternoon report 15/04/2026 17:10

The Match Out: ASX consolidates as EVN leads the gold charge

The ASX looked set for a strong day early, but only finished marginally higher. We probably sound like a broken record at times – the ASX will struggle to push meaningfully higher without the banks leading, but today was the perfect example. The index briefly pushed above the 9,000 level intraday, though selling in financials capped the advance.

Morning report 15/04/2026 09:50

Portfolio Positioning: Cracks in the Consumer – Reviewing Exposure as Confidence Slides

The ASX200 limped to a 45-point gain on Tuesday, after opening with a bang it surrendered more than 50% of its early gains as the banks came under pressure, courtesy of Westpac (ASX:WBC). From a points perspective it was very much a market of two halves with the two heavyweight market sectors pulling in opposing directions:

Afternoon report 14/04/2026 17:21

The Match Out: ASX cracks 9,000 level then fades, Westpac flags Middle East conflict impacts

Today’s session kicked off with a strong open with the index pushing through the 9,000 level for the first time since early March before giving back some ground through the day, ultimately consolidating through the afternoon into the close.

Morning report 14/04/2026 09:44

What Matters Today: Four ASX200 Stocks With Plenty to Gain From AI Cost Savings

We felt the ASX200 delivered a solid performance on Monday given the weekend's disappointing developments out of Pakistan around the US-Iran war, and the headwind of weakening global futures throughout our session.

Afternoon report 13/04/2026 17:13

The Match Out: ASX closes lower but digs in as US-Iran talks sour

The ASX finished lower today though the move was somewhat contained considering the escalation in rhetoric around the Middle East conflict. The local market entered the session digesting the breakdown of peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan over the weekend, with President Donald Trump announcing plans for a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a +7% spike in oil prices.

Morning report 13/04/2026 09:41

Macro Monday: The Bulls Fight Back – But the Ceasefire Calm is in Danger

Global equities posted a solid rally last week, driven by hopes that the US-Iran ceasefire would fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz — removing a key inflation risk and clearing the path for global growth to regain momentum before any lasting economic damage was done.

Weekend report 11/04/2026 09:19

Weekend Q&A: A ceasefire propels the ASX200 within striking distance of fresh all-time highs

Afternoon report 10/04/2026 17:06

The Match Out: ASX takes a breather after its best week in months

The local market softened today, though not by much, with the ASX200 index still capping off a strong week, rising +3.3% over the period as markets continued to rebound following the US-Iran ceasefire. Risk appetite cooled with investors trimming positions ahead of talks between US and Iranian officials in Pakistan over the weekend, while uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of tanker traffic continues to cloud the near-term outlook for energy markets.