What Matters Today: Will iron ore stocks continue to weigh on the ASX?

The ASX200 started the week in poor fashion, following S&P500 futures lower throughout the day in anticipation of a weak opening by Europe following the surprise French election result. Last week, markets were concerned about Le Pen, but as the results rolled in on Sunday, concerns migrated towards potential reckless spending by the victorious Left, i.e. the market interpretation being that it’s good news the Far Right lost but bad news the Far Left won. Ultimately though, moves across financial markets have been relatively muted on the view that political gridlock may at least limit the ability of the Left to enact its big-spending plans.

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Latest Reports

Afternoon report 24/03/2026 16:52

The Match Out: Materials drive early bounce, ASX fades through the session

The ASX finished modestly higher but well off its intraday highs after an early relief rally faded as the geopolitical backdrop in the Middle East remained fluid. The index surged more than +130pts at the open, briefly pushing 8500, before momentum cooled as US futures slipped gradually through the day.

Alerts 24/03/2026 16:13

Trade Alerts – International Equities Portfolio

We are making several changes to the International Equities Portfolio

Alerts 24/03/2026 10:13

Trade Alerts – Active Growth & Emerging Companies Portfolio

We are making several changes across portfolios

Morning report 24/03/2026 13:54

What Matters Today: Does MM see value in the iron ore miners as the bulk commodity pushes higher?

The ASX200 ended a volatile session more than 100 points off its early morning low, down only 0.7%. Selling was fairly brutal on open, as was expected, but investors steadily bought the dip through the day, with over 40% of the main board managing to close positive.

Afternoon report 23/03/2026 16:45

The Match Out: ASX down but recovers nicely from morning lows

The ASX finished lower, though it was much worse early on in the session. The war in the Middle East continues to dominate sentiment, with the market now down ~9% from the start of March, flirting with technical 'correction' territory.

Alerts 23/03/2026 09:42

Trade Alert – Active Growth Portfolio

We are making three changes to the Growth Portfolio today.

Morning report 23/03/2026 09:09

Macro Monday: President Trump has lit a fuse under markets, issuing Iran a 48-hour ultimatum

Global equities finished lower on Friday, pressured by escalating Middle East tensions, surging oil prices, and a renewed shift higher in rate expectations. For the week, the ASX200 fell 2.2%, the S&P 500 lost 1.9%, and the UK FTSE 3.3%.

Weekend report 21/03/2026 09:41

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

The ASX200 ended a tough week down -2.2%, extending March’s retreat to -8.4% with more losses likely on Monday. Materials (-7.1%) and Tech stocks (-4.2%) continued to lead the decline, as fears around global growth and inflation escalated as the war dragged on with no end in sight, and oil prices looked increasingly comfortable above $US110. On Friday night, selling intensified into the U.S. afternoon session after Reuters reported Iraq had declared force majeure on oilfields operated by foreign companies, while President Trump said he was not seeking a ceasefire with Iran. Now entering its fourth week, roughly in line with Trump’s initial timeframe, the conflict is nonetheless unsettling Washington, as Iran’s ability to disrupt oil markets with relative ease continues to drive global angst.

Afternoon report 20/03/2026 17:24

The Match Out: ASX slips as gold unwinds and materials weigh to close out a tough week

The ASX 200 closed down in a session defined by continued selling across gold and materials, with the broader index unable to find meaningful support despite pockets of strength in healthcare, utilities and energy in particular.

Morning report 20/03/2026 09:24

ETF Friday: Looking at 4 ETFs in the cross hairs of the Middle East conflict

The ASX 200 fell by more than 140 points on Thursday, with escalating concerns about the Middle East conflict weighing heavily on the market. The miners (-4.8%) were front and centre of the selling, while energy (+5.1%) was unsurprisingly best on the ground. As the oil price surged above $US110, inflation fears soared, weighing on rate-sensitive stocks, with the crowded gold sector enduring some aggressive liquidation while tech and real estate names were also heavy as futures markets priced in at least two more rate hikes before Christmas.