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ASX 200 morning report – MQG & REA shares in focus

The local market closely followed the negative global lead on Friday with the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) experiencing its worst session since Russia invaded Ukraine.

All 11 sectors of the market were lower with technology and real estate the hardest hit, down 4.5% and 3.4% for the day, whilst consumer staples naturally outperformed, falling just 0.2% behind a solid gain from both Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Macquarie delivers bumper profit

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) was the standout, with the financial conglomerate releasing its FY22 report and delivering a 56% jump in profit to $4.7 billion, driven by strong growth in its Capital Markets and commodities businesses.

Macquarie Capital, which undertakes takeovers, capital raisings and the like, nearly tripled profit to $2.4 billion, whilst the commodities facing division had another record period with higher levels of volatility in energy and oil prices driving up demand for its unique hedging products.

The result was a near 25% increase in the dividend, however, Macquarie shares fell 7.8% on the weaker global market sentiment.

Both News Corp (ASX: NWS) and REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) also reversed, with the latter falling more than 8% on the global tech selloff despite delivering revenue growth of 23%, and a similar jump in earnings in the third quarter.

ASX weekly movers

The loss across the week was 3.1% with every sector lower, but utilities and staples outperforming, down 0.3% and 1.3%, respectively.

The highlight was Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) which gained 5.8% alongside Amcor CDI (ASX: AMC) which added 5.4% across the week.

AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: AVZ) was the ASX 200’s biggest weekly detractor, tumbling 21.2%, with ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB) not far behind with a 20.7% fall.

ASX 200 today

Looking ahead, the ASX 200 is expected to open lower this morning, following a negative lead from US markets on Friday.

The Dow Jones retreated 0.3%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.6% and the Nasdaq fell 1.4%. To find out more, check out my US stock market report.

The Golden Rules of Investing

We might be experts in retirement, but with combined financial advice experience of 35+ years, we’ve nearly seen it all. 

In mid-2023, our senior team at Wattle Partners Financial Planning put the finishing touches on a brand-new report “The Golden Rules of Investing“.

In this free report, we outline the key principles that determine all of the portfolio construction and investment decisions of Wattle Partners. Collated over decades, this paper should be seen as a work-in-progress, constantly under review in light of the ever-evolving nature of markets. 

You’ll find the free report on my Author page. Simply click the button below to view the Golden Rules.

Information warning: The information on this website is published by The Rask Group Pty Ltd (ABN: 36 622 810 995) is limited to factual information or (at most) general financial advice only. That means, the information and advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not specific to you, your needs, goals or objectives. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide before using this website. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (#1280930) of AFSL #383169.


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Wattle Partners is a financial advice firm, servicing clients around Australia, specialising in retirement planning (pre and post retirement). 

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