ASX 200 Rallies Ahead of Australia CPI and Fed Decision

The ASX 200 is poised for another firm open after SPI 200 futures rallied overnight, extending momentum from the index's strongest two-day advance in six weeks. Australia's quarterly CPI report headlines today's local calendar before attention shifts to the Federal Reserve, leaving traders to weigh whether the rally has further to run or is due for a pause.

 

 

 

 

 

ASX 200 Technical Analysis Ahead of CPI and the Fed

 

ASX 200 at a Glance

• The ASX 200 cash index closed at a 28-day high on Tuesday, extending its best two-day rally in six weeks with a gain of 2.0%.
• Nine of the ASX 200 sectors finished higher, led by Consumer Discretionary (XDJ +2.7%), Communication Services (XTJ +2.6%) and Healthcare (XHJ +2.3%).
• Materials stocks underperformed, with Materials (XMJ -1.4%) the only sector to post a meaningful decline, while Utilities (XUJ) finished broadly unchanged.
• Market breadth remained constructive, with 114 stocks advancing versus 79 declining, suggesting the rally was broadly supported.
• The ASX 200 index has gained 2.0% week-to-date, 1.9% month-to-date and quarter-to-date, and 2.7% year-to-date, highlighting improving momentum.
• Volatility has picked up through the week over the past three months, with Friday averaging a 105-point trading range. Over the past year, Wednesday has typically been the most volatile session at around 87 points.
• Over the past 60 trading days, ASX 200 financial stocks have been the strongest-performing major sector, while ASX 200 materials stocks continue to lag, reinforcing the divergence between banks and miners.

Source: ICE, TradingView

 

 

 

 

ASX 200 Technical Analysis

The ASX 200 is set to gap higher after SPI 200 futures rose around 0.9% overnight, pointing to an open near the 9,000 mark ahead of Australia's CPI report. While the inflation data is likely to drive the initial move, traders should also keep an eye on tonight's FOMC decision, which could influence broader risk sentiment once the local session ends.

From an options perspective, 8900 remains the key support level, backed by a sizeable concentration of put positions across both this week's and next week's expiries. Initial resistance sits around 9000, while 9075-9100 is reinforced by heavy call positioning that could limit further gains. If buyers can establish a foothold above 9000 after the CPI release, the next upside target becomes 9075. Conversely, a move back below 9000 would bring 8950 into focus before stronger support emerges around 8900.

One note of caution is that open interest has continued to decline despite the recent rally, suggesting the advance has not been strongly supported by fresh futures participation. The SPI 200 also stalled around the monthly R1 pivot and the 9,000 area overnight, raising the possibility of a pullback if CPI surprises to the upside. Even so, the sizeable put cluster around 8900 suggests buyers may view any retreat towards that area as an opportunity to buy the dip, given the strength of this week's rebound from the recent consolidation.

Source: ICE, TradingView

 

 

 

-- Written by Matt Simpson

Follow Matt on Twitter @cLeverEdge