The ASX 200 pulled back for a second consecutive session after reaching a record high last Thursday, with financials leading the decline. While materials remain closely aligned with the broader index and are helping to cushion weakness, technical momentum has started to fade. The index is now testing support around 9,200, with the RBA's policy decision adding a potential catalyst for the next move.
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ASX 200 Rally Stalls as Financials Weigh on Index
ASX 200 Market Snapshot
- The ASX 200 closed lower for a second day after reaching its latest record high on Thursday.
- Its daily range was quite narrow, although that has generally been the case in recent months, with volatility tending to increase towards Friday.
- Market breadth was mostly balanced, with 98 stocks advancing, 88 declining and 14 unchanged.
- Telecoms and healthcare led the seven ASX sectors higher, while financials and consumer discretionary led the four declining sectors lower.
Source: ASX, LSEG
Financials Diverge as Materials Support ASX 200 Strength
The correlation data highlights a notable divergence between the ASX 200's two largest sectors. Materials have become increasingly aligned with the broader index, with their 20-day correlation rising to 0.90 and 10-day correlation to 0.92. Financials, meanwhile, have pulled back sharply from their recent highs, with their 10-day correlation falling to 0.50. This suggests recent weakness in the ASX 200 is being driven more by financials, while strength in materials is helping to cushion the broader index.
Source: ASX, LSEG
ASX 200 Faces Resistance as Rally Loses Momentum
The daily chart on the left shows a solid rally into its record high last Thursday, although the ASX 200 has retreated for a second day on Monday. Support has so far been found around 9,200, which also marks the February high and an options cluster. A break beneath this level could see the ASX retreat towards its 10-day EMA at 9,123.6, followed by the 9,100 handle, which is also a significant options-based support level. The daily RSI (14) remains overbought, suggesting the recent rally has become stretched.
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ASX 200 Options Positioning Highlights 9,200 and 9,300
The SPI 200 futures chart on the right shows an intraday break above the March high followed by a reversal lower. At current levels, futures are on track to form a bearish outside day around their record high. Declining volumes during the broader rally also suggest participation has not kept pace with the strength of the price advance. Meanwhile, falling open interest indicates some position unwinding rather than providing a clear bullish confirmation. The options market adds another layer to the picture: 9,250 is a key battleground, while 9,300 represents nearby resistance, potentially making further gains harder to sustain without a decisive break higher. Conversely, 9,200 remains the key level for bears to target, with a break opening the way towards 9,100.
If the RBA delivers a hawkish hold tomorrow, it could add to selling pressure and increase the risk of the ASX 200 breaking below 9,200.
Source: ASX, TradingView
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-- Written by Matt Simpson
Follow Matt on Twitter @cLeverEdge
