Equities

ASX to open higher, strong US lead, Commonwealth Bank (ASXLCBA) hit with ASIC investigation The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) finished 1.7% higher to start the week, rebounding quickly from Friday’s so-called ‘bloodbath’. Once again, market volatility was met with reassuring language from central banks and positive news around the vaccine rollout. The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed that they would be…

Global markets drop, ASX200 down most in five months, Orica (ASX:ORI) and Afterpay (ASX:APT) smashed The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) fell 2.4% on Friday, the worst daily fall in five months, taking the weekly performance down 1.8% but still managed to deliver a 1% return for February. On Friday it was all about tech or anything that has benefitted…

ASX bounces back, BNPL reports, Ramsay (ASX:RHC) reinstates dividend  The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) finished 0.8% higher following a strong US lead overnight, with healthcare and materials leading the way, up 1.7% and 1.4% respectively. Ramsay Healthcare (ASX:RHC) was the standout, jumping 7.7% after reinstating their dividend at 48.5 cents per share. The private hospital operator reported a ‘resilient’ result,…

According to Martin Currie chief investment officer Reece Birtles, the timing “could not be better for ‘value’ stocks.” This is a theme reiterated by the likes of Andrew Clifford of Platinum Asset Management this week, who described markets as being gripped with “speculative mania in high-growth stocks” in a world that has “gone crazy.” Birtles’…

ASX on the cusp of five months of gains, Seek (ASX:SEK) sold off on split, energy sector boom The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) rallied 0.9% on Tuesday, overcoming a weak start with the energy and oil sector powering the market higher. Woodside Petroleum (ASX:WPL) and Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) added 5.7% and 3.6% respectively after the oil price gained 4% overnight on signs…

ASX200 lower on bond rates, Crown (ASX:CWN) to face commission, Costa Group (ASX:CGC) boosted by avocados  The ASX200 finished 0.2% lower on a mixed day for the market, with resources and materials leading the way adding 2.6% ahead of a bumper dividend season. Most of the weakness came from the healthcare and IT sectors as the 10-year…

During times of fear, investors often become irrational. As the coronavirus pandemic swept through the globe, fear and uncertainty rose, and investors began selling equities looking for shelter, often parking funds in cash until times were better. The problem with holding cash is its susceptibility to inflation, which erodes its value over time. During times…

The search for diversification has forced financial advisers to look far and wide as they seek non-correlated opportunities to fortify client portfolios. Among the most popular asset class in recent months have been emerging market equities, primarily those focused on China and Asia. As is typically the case, equity markets get all the attention and…

Most fund managers would probably prefer smooth sailing in their first 18 months of operation, not a global pandemic and the most volatile period for equity markets in recent history. But Sean Fenton of Sage Capital, which is backed by the growing Channel Capital group, welcomed the volatility. The fund, which started in August 2019…

Schroder’s Investment Management this week released a note to the ASX in which they announced the objective returns of their popular listed and unlisted CPI Plus series of funds would be amended. For those who aren’t aware of the strategies, they are what’s known as multi-asset class strategies, able to invest across all available asset…

So, Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) shareholders have learned that their company is to become a hydrogen and steel superpower. Andrew Forrest, the founder, non-executive chairman and largest shareholder of Fortescue, says Fortescue will lead the way in building a steel-making industry in Australia, making “green” steel – zero-carbon steel, using zero carbon-dioxide-emissions energy. There…

Swings and roundabouts, ASX to open lower, Kogan (ASX:KGN) smashed to finish the week The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) finished January 0.3% higher, the third straight positive month, despite swinging from a 1.2% gain to a 0.6% loss on Friday. Over the week it was the materials and energy sectors, down 7.0% and 10.6% respectively, which placed the greatest…