What Matters Today: Are there reasons to prefer insurance stocks over banks?

Both pre and post-COVID the banks and insurers have followed a relatively similar path although there was a period of major outperformance by the Banks through 2021, and early 2022. The banking index in a similar fashion to the ASX, has trod water over the last two years while the insurers have ground higher. Hence we question today whether the likes of QBE & IAG will prove a better investment into 2024 and beyond, especially with some economists concerned by the dramatically named “mortgage cliff” although it hasn’t called any major issues so far.

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Weekend report 04/10/2025 08:45

Weekend Q&A: The ASX is on track for new all-time highs this week

The ASX200 ended last week up +2.3%, with the first three days of October already recouping all of September's decline. The healthcare sector made a welcome return to the winners' enclosure, ably supported by the influential miners and banks, while the energy sector was the only meaningful drag on the index. Only a flat week by the heavyweight iron ore miners reined in performance, although their sector peers worked hard to address their slumber, with 18 members of the materials sector closing out the week up more than +5%.

Afternoon report 03/10/2025 17:49

The Match Out: ASX finishes the week strong, APE jumps on CanadaOne acquisition

The ASX finished the week strongly, rising steadily through the session with strength in healthcare, tech and consumer names more than offsetting softer trade in energy and utilities.

Morning report 03/10/2025 09:28

ETF Friday: Looking at 3 of the Top 10 purchased ETFs

The ASX 200 surged +1.1% on the second day of October, enjoying its best session in six weeks, as the market appeared to enjoy fresh funds flowing into the major stocks and sectors. Gains took the index back within striking distance of its all-time high as the influential financials and miners lifted the broad market, with 8 of 11 major local sectors closing higher, with energy stocks, real estate plays and health care also notching gains of more than 1% each.

Afternoon report 02/10/2025 17:21

The Match Out: Triple digit gains for the ASX with ‘risk on’ across the board

A classic risk-on day for local equities, with investors embracing the dual engine of bank strength and a relentless gold bid. Materials were the clear standout, but the breadth of today’s rally was also impressive, with most sectors participating as the new quarter seemed to attract new $$. Healthcare has been the real index laggard in recent periods but today saw an obvious change of trend with CSL having the biggest influence from an index perspective, up nearly 4%.

Morning report 02/10/2025 09:36

What Matters Today: Reviewing the ASX200’s top 3 Performers year-to-date

After a choppy session, the ASX200 closed slightly lower on the first day of October, with BHP Group (BHP) shaving 17 points off the index, which ultimately slipped just three points. The market seesawed through the day as investors weighed reports of a halt to BHP’s China-bound iron ore shipments alongside concerns over a potential U.S. government shutdown.

Afternoon report 01/10/2025 17:08

The Match Out: ASX in mixed trading with US Govt shutdown now likely

The ASX chopped around today, ultimately finishing down a few points with pundits blaming the U.S. government standoff, however we’ve been here before and it rarely creates a large volatility spike – never say never, but it’s generally more about political posturing.

Morning report 01/10/2025 09:23

Portfolio Positioning: The RBA is leaving the ASX to its own devices

The ASX200 slipped 0.2% on Tuesday after the RBA and Michele Bullock threw a wet towel over the “Rate Cut Party”, although she really only maintained her logical, cautious narrative.

Afternoon report 30/09/2025 17:26

The Match Out: ASX slips as RBA holds rates steady

The ASX opened firmer but reversed course after the RBA left rates unchanged at 3.6% and warned that near-term inflation may be stronger than expected, dampening hopes for easing in the short-term.

Morning report 30/09/2025 09:15

What Matters Today: Three AI stocks Taking on the “Magnificent Seven”

The ASX 200 put in a stellar performance on the penultimate day of September, advancing by +0.9% and reducing the month's decline to 1.2% with just today remaining. Gains weren't overly broad-based, with less than 60% of the main board closing higher, but when the “Big Four Banks” advance on average more than 1.8% the index is almost guaranteed to rally, and when it's supported by the influential healthcare names, and a rampant gold sector, gains become magnified ultimately delivering the best day since September the 4th.

Afternoon report 29/09/2025 17:14

What Mattered Today: Strong gain by the ASX ahead of RBA rate decision tomorrow

A bullish start to the week with the ASX outpacing gains seen in the US on Friday evening – the index getting the bit between its teeth from the opening bell, holding onto the gains as the day progressed.