The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) fell 0.2% on Wednesday, extending the negative week with materials continuing to push the market lower, down 1%.
Real estate was also hit with the likes of Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) down 2.1% on higher bond rates.
The highlight was the financial sector which finished 0.6% higher as Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) offered a strong update to the market.
Meanwhile, according to management, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) contributed $34 billion to the Australian economy in 2021, comprising $11 billion in supplier payments, $6 billion in dividends and $12 billion in tax; shares finished 1% lower despite a 5% rally in the iron ore price.
Gas merger to go green
The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) merger looks set to proceed with management of the former highlighting ‘green opportunity’ that will be unlocked by the deal.
On the one hand, they touted the high quality, low-cost growth assets that will close to double and ultimately support stronger free cash flow.
With these funds they intend to pursue a number of clean energy projects including air capture in the Cooper Basin and hydrogen; both companies finished modestly higher.
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Qube’s expansion
Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) jumped 4.6% after the company announced the acquisition of the Newcastle Agri Terminal for $90 million. The port will be purchased from grain traders CBH and Viterra, funded through undrawn debt facilities and see earnings further diversified into the booming NSW grain sector.
Macquarie’s record high
Shares in Macquarie reached a new all-time high, finishing 4.7% to the positive after announcing that half-year profit to the end of September is set to double 2020’s result. It will be down on the first half of 2020 but still a strong result.
The annuity-style businesses like banking have benefitted from lower provisions, however growth in asset management was broadly flat as its recent acquisition is unlikely to be accretive. The company is also facing strong comparables after the sale of its rail businesses in 2020.
Macquarie Capital continues to perform strongly, benefitting from the sale of its UK Smart Meter portfolio and continued merger and acquisition activity. More importantly, realisations through which Macquarie sells assets it manages and locks in management fees are set to increase as the global economy returns to normal.
ASX 200 today
Looking ahead, the ASX 200 is expected to open lower on Thursday, following a negative lead from US markets overnight. To find out what’s happening in US markets, check out our morning report: US markets weaken ahead of debt ceiling, Lululemon smashes expectations.
