Live ASX 200 Holds Strong Gains as Investors Stay Optimistic (3:08 pm AEDT)
The S&P/ASX 200 continues its upward momentum, rising 85.90 points (1.10%) to 7,914.20 as of 3:08 pm AEDT. The index has gained 2.13% in the past five days, though it remains 3.00% lower year-to-date.
Boss Energy and Clarity Pharmaceuticals Lead the Rally
Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) is up 9.24%, continuing its strong run. Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) has surged 7.74%, securing its spot among today’s top gainers.
Biggest Winners of the Day
Several stocks have posted double-digit gains, driving market optimism:
- Energy Resources of Australia (ASX: ERA) +25.00%
- Hutchison Telecommunications (ASX: HTA) +13.64%
- Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) +11.90%
- Imricor Medical Systems Inc (ASX: IMR) +10.28%
- Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) +9.46%
Investor Sentiment Stays Positive
The market is seeing strong gains across multiple sectors, with energy and Live healthcare stocks leading. With growing speculation on an RBA rate cut, investor confidence remains firm.
ASX 200 Extends Gains as Rate Cut Bets Rise (2:28 PM)
The S&P/ASX 200 is pushing higher, climbing 91.20 points (1.17%) to 7,919.50, as of 2:28 PM. The index has gained 2.20% over the past five days but remains 2.94% lower for the year.
Boss Energy and Challenger Continue to Shine
Boss Energy (ASX: BOE) is up 9.24%, maintaining its Live strong momentum. Challenger Limited (ASX: CGF) follows, gaining 7.23%. Investors remain bullish on key sectors, driving the index higher.
Markets Bet on May Rate Cut
Despite recent job losses, 70% of the market expects the RBA to cut rates in May. A smaller 10% is betting on an April cut.
The cash rate sits at 4.1%, following a 0.25% cut in February. The next RBA meeting is on April 1, with another on May 20.
However, RBA Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter recently Live warned that market expectations may be overestimating the likelihood of a cut.
Investor Sentiment Strengthens
With interest rate speculation heating up, investors are driving market gains. The next RBA meeting will be a key moment for further direction.
ASX 200 Surges as Markets Rebound (1:55 pm)
The S&P/ASX 200 is rallying today, rising 88.60 points (1.13%) to 7,916.90 as of 1:55 pm AEDT on 20 March. The index has gained 2.17% over the past five days but remains 2.97% lower for the year.
Boss Energy and Challenger Lead Gains
Boss Energy (ASX: BOE) is the top performer, Live soaring 9.04%. Challenger Limited (ASX: CGF) follows closely, rising 6.79%. Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CU6), Deep Yellow (ASX: DYL), and Audinate Group (ASX: AD8) also posted strong gains.
Judo Capital and Liontown Among Worst Performers
Judo Capital (ASX: JDO) is the biggest loser, dropping 6.87%. Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) declined 5.10%, while Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC), Live James Hardie (ASX: JHX), and IDP Education (ASX: IEL) also struggled.
Real Estate and Tech Sectors Lead the Market
Ten of eleven sectors are up, with Real Estate (+1.90%) and Information Technology (+1.85%) leading. Materials (-0.52%) is the only sector in decline.
Judo Capital Sees Heavy Trading
Judo Capital (ASX: JDO) recorded a 2995% Live surge in volume, making it a standout in trading activity. Paladin Energy (ASX: PDN) and Chorus Limited (ASX: CNU) also saw sharp volume increases.
Market Sentiment Turns Positive
The strong performance across most sectors signals improving investor confidence. The market will watch if this momentum continues.
