Sean Freer
Director, Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices
Australian Mid Caps: A Sweet Spot for Diversification and Historical Outperformance
The S&P/ASX MidCap 50 was up 5.35% in February, outperforming the S&P/ASX 50—which posted 0.25%—by more than 5%. This was the largest relative outperformance of the mid-cap segment compared to large caps in a single month since October 2008. A closer look at Australian mid caps, as measured by the S&P/ASX MidCap 50, shows the…
The Importance of Profitability in Australian Small Caps
It has long been evident that small-cap companies with a track record of generating earnings have outperformed relative to their peers. Profitability matters for small-cap companies, and the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Select Index was launched in 2018 to provide a measurement of these companies in Australia. The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaires Select Index—which includes a profitably…
S&P/ASX All Technology Index Boosted by Tech Turnaround
Following a poor 2022, the Information Technology sector has proven itself to be the outstanding performer in Australian equities in 2023. Despite rising interest rates, higher bond yields and weakening consumer confidence, market participants have still seen value in the Tech sector thus far in 2023. Tech’s turnaround has benefited the S&P/ASX All Technology Index,…
S&P/ASX Small- and Mid-Cap Indices: Differentiators in a Large-Cap Dominated Market
Large-cap, Australian-listed companies have continued their robust 2022, outperforming the small- and mid-cap segments YTD as of April 30, 2023. However, a fast-changing economic environment may support considering small and mid-cap indices in Australia. The range of returns for Australian-listed companies in 2022 was among the widest seen in 20 years. Broad dispersion was exhibited…
A Fast Start to 2023 for the S&P China 500 – Returning 5.0% in Q1
The S&P China 500 gained 5.0% in Q1 2023, continuing to claw back some of the losses exhibited in 2022. Developed markets broadly had a strong quarter, with Chinese equities underperforming global equities while outperforming emerging markets. Communication Services led sector performance for the start of 2023, up over 20%. Energy and Information Technology also…
Minor Impact to Headline S&P/ASX Indices from GICS Changes
Revisions to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) structure were implemented at the March S&P/ASX rebalance. The changes affect the GICS structure at all levels and involve a number of intra- and inter-sector changes for companies within the S&P/ASX 200 and S&P/ASX 300. Inter-sector changes are the reclassification of constituents to a different sector under…
China Equities Diverge from Developed and Emerging Markets
China, the world’s second-largest market by both GDP and stock market capitalization, is showing itself to be a worthy diversifier, with low correlations to other equity markets. While many developed and emerging stock market indices have traded more in sync since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has performed differently, with both domestic China…
The S&P China 500 Rebounded 7.1% in Q4 2022, Recovering a Portion of Its 2022 Losses
The S&P China 500 gained 7.1% in Q4 2022, gaining back some of the losses exhibited earlier in 2022. Despite the strong quarter, Chinese equities underperformed global and emerging markets in Q4, as these segments broadly bounced back from the heavy losses of Q3. The S&P China 500 declined 24.4% in 2022, likewise underperforming global…
An Index Approach to World Cup Success
Football fanatics across the globe are watching closely to see which of the 32 countries that qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar will raise the trophy in glory. Every four years, the global spotlight scrutinizes each nation’s footballing prowess (or lack thereof). Beyond coaches, pundits and tacticians, the World Cup gives plenty…
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A Weakening Aussie Dollar Puts Offshore Earners in the Spotlight
The days of Australian-U.S. dollar parity are becoming a distant memory, as U.S. dollar strength has seen the value of the Australian equivalent reach a recent low of just under 63 cents, a decline of over 13% from year-end levels. The weakening of the Australian dollar could have significant implications for the share prices of…