ASX Rises on Tech Tailwind as Investors Cheer Low Volatility Outlook

Key Highlights:

• S&P/ASX 200 adds 42.2 points to close at 7,979.1 (+0.53%)
• All Technology Index surges 1.43%, leading sector gains
• Eight of 11 sectors in the green, IT and Health Care outperform
• VIX Index falls to 11.7, signalling investor confidence and low volatility expectations
• Gold Road Resources tops gainers on strong commodity tailwinds

The Australian sharemarket climbed steadily through Monday trade, with gains across major indices buoyed by a sharp rally in technology stocks and continued optimism in global equities. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.53% to 7,979.1, pushing closer to the psychological 8,000-point mark, while the All Ordinaries gained 45.3 points to 8,203.2.

Tech names led the charge, with the All Technology Index jumping 1.43% as investors rotated back into growth stocks. The sector’s momentum was bolstered by upbeat sentiment from Wall Street, where the NASDAQ closed 2.27% higher on Friday.

All up, eight of eleven sectors finished in positive territory. Information Technology, Health Care and Real Estate outperformed, rising 1.78%, 1.11%, and 1.03% respectively. Materials, Staples, and Utilities lagged, as commodity-linked stocks saw mild profit-taking despite elevated gold and copper prices.

The ASX VIX Index, a key measure of expected volatility, fell to 11.7—well within the “low” zone—signalling increased confidence in market stability over the next 30 days.

Top Gainers

Biggest Fallers

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on upcoming inflation data and global central bank commentary, particularly from the US Federal Reserve. Locally, investors appear poised to maintain a cautiously optimistic stance, with dividend payouts, IPO activity, and earnings updates continuing to drive individual stock moves.