The Match Out: ASX down, though stages impressive recovery, Fortescue (FMG) hit 10% on block trade

The market was lower today, though it recovered nearly 60 points from the lows so showed some backbone into weakness, with consumer discretionary stocks following their US peers higher, while Financials remained well supported.

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Morning report 31/03/2026 09:43

What Matters Today: Revisiting the energy sector as the War enters its fifth week

The ASX200 recovered almost two-thirds of Monday’s early losses to close down 0.65%, with underlying buying evident across much of the market, even as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices to near four-year highs. However, this strength was offset by pronounced weakness in the influential banking sector, with the “Big Four” subtracting more than 55 points from the index and driving the majority of the day’s decline.

Afternoon report 30/03/2026 16:46

The Match Out: ASX down, though buyers step up into Monday’s weakness (again)

While the market closed lower again today, which is becoming a feature of recent Mondays, the weakest part of the session was behind us early. Headline-driven selling dominated at the open, pushing the ASX 200 down toward ~8380, but that weakness was steadily absorbed as the day wore on, with buyers stepping back in and the index grinding around 70 points off its morning lows by the close.

Morning report 30/03/2026 09:26

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 08:53

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.

Afternoon report 27/03/2026 16:51

The Match Out: ASX snaps 3 week losing streak, though nerves remain

The ASX 200 snapped a three-week losing streak, though there was little conviction around the local market today, with the index slipping mildly lower by the close – although it did recover ~50 points from the morning low as US Futures traded up.

Morning report 27/03/2026 09:25

ETF Friday: Four International Equity Index ETFs to Watch as War Uncertainty Persists

The ASX 200 drifted on Thursday to close down 0.1%, not a verb we’ve used often in March, let's hope it's not the calm before the storm. Investors have embraced the initial efforts by the Trump Administration to engineer a deal with Iran to form a truce and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran isn’t yet playing ball as they continue to exchange missiles with Israel. The news crossing the wires couldn’t be more contradictory.

Afternoon report 26/03/2026 16:48

The Match Out: ASX treads water as sector rotation drives the action

The ASX edged lower after yesterday’s strong rally, with investors again taking cues from the evolving Iran conflict and the knock-on impact on energy markets. While the index finished little changed overall, the session was marked by steady intraday swings.

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.