What Matters Today: How MM sees the Energy Sector as war rages in the Middle East

The ASX200 was hammered on Monday, down 2.9%, taking March’s decline to ~6.5% with the month only one-third complete. It’s remarkable to think the market closed at an all-time high of 9200 just a week ago. Stocks tumbled as the Middle East conflict rattled energy markets, pushing oil up more than 25% higher, at one stage testing US$120/barrel. At the same time, bond markets extended losses on rising inflation fears while the US dollar hit its highest level since January, as risk-off sentiment gripped global markets. There was nowhere to hide on a day when ~95% of the main board retreated, and oil and gas giant Woodside (WDS) could only close 2% higher.

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Afternoon report 02/04/2026 16:56

The Match Out: ASX falls as Trump rhetoric spooks markets

The ASX200 gave up early gains and finished lower today after investors were rattled by a fiery speech from US President Donald Trump at midday our time, dampening hopes for a quick resolution to the Iran conflict. The index traded up as much as ~0.4% earlier in the session before reversing sharply as oil prices surged and geopolitical risks again took centre stage.

Morning report 02/04/2026 09:48

What Matters Today: War Fear Fading – 4 Stocks MM likes to Ride the Rebound

The ASX200 rallied strongly on Wednesday, surging more than 2% in a broad-based advance that saw ~14% of the index rise by 6%, or more. The move followed comments from President Trump suggesting the US military conflict could end within two to three weeks, boosting confidence around the global economic growth outlook.

Afternoon report 01/04/2026 17:04

The Match Out: ASX kicks off April with a bang as Materials and Tech lead broad rally

The ASX surged today, recovering from the worst monthly performance in four years as markets latched onto signs the Iran conflict could begin to wind down. The morning open was reason enough to call it a strong session, though a late 30pt rally in the final 20 minutes of trade was the cherry on top as the index closed on its highs. It was a broad rally as ten of eleven sectors finished higher with materials leading the charge, while the defensive utilities dragged as risk on sentiment returned to the bourse.

Morning report 01/04/2026 09:35

Portfolio Positioning: Should investors be worried by March’s decline?

The ASX200 endured another volatile session on Tuesday, ultimately finishing up 20 points after trading in a wide ~140-point range—swinging from a 50-point loss to a near 70-point gain at its peak. It’s the kind of price action that unsettles headline-driven investors, but the question remains: should it? We all know the reasons why financial markets are volatile, so let's focus on the numbers for March, as opposed to trying to second-guess President Trump's next move:

Afternoon report 31/03/2026 17:04

The Match Out: ASX gives back gains late as Trump’s Iran comments lose their shine

It was a story of two tales today as the ASX whipsawed from negative to positive territory at midday, before giving back most of the gains rapidly into the close. Early weakness was shaken off as the market reacted to reports that US President Donald Trump may be prepared to wind down the Iran war even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed.

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.