Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Brokers 2024
Brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) enable investors to trade on one of the 10 largest global securities exchanges by market capitalization. We have compiled a list of the top ASX brokers, including a useful comparison guide below. Find out how to start trading the ASX.
Top 8 Brokers with ASX Access
These are the 8 best brokers for trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX):
-
1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
Pocket Option50% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50$1MISABinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, CryptosWeb, MT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, AirtelUSD -
3
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
4
MoomooGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$01:2SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCsDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH TransferUSD, HKD, SGD -
5
IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
6
xChief$100 No Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100.01 Lots1:1000ASICCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, IndicesMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF -
7
Plexytrade120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$500.011:2000CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR -
8
InstaTrade
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.011:1000BVI FSCFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, FuturesInstaTrade Gear, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, RUB
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
- RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
- Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
- Plexytrade - Established in 2024 and headquartered in Saint Lucia, Plexytrade is an ECN/STP broker. Geared towards active traders, it supports four account options, crypto deposits and withdrawals, plus very high leverage up to 1:2000 made possible by its unregulated status.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Stock Exchanges
FOREX.com offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
Cons
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
Pocket Option
"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."
Pocket Option Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos |
| Regulator | MISA |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Stock Exchanges
Pocket Option offers trading on 11 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
Pros
- Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
- The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
- The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
Cons
- Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
- The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
- The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
RedMars Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
| Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Stock Exchanges
RedMars offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
Pros
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
- RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
Cons
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Moomoo Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Leverage | 1:2 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Stock Exchanges
Moomoo offers trading on 5 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
Pros
- The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
- Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
- The ‘Moomoo Token’ generates dynamic passwords for transaction security - a unique and helpful safety feature
Cons
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
IG Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Stock Exchanges
IG offers trading on 20 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Bombay Stock Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korean Stock Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Tadawul
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Pros
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
Cons
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
xChief Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $100 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Stock Exchanges
xChief offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
Pros
- The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
- The low minimum deposit of $10 will appeal to beginners, as well as the beginners’ guides in the Library
- xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools
Cons
- The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources
- Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
Plexytrade
"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Plexytrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 120% Cash Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Stock Exchanges
Plexytrade offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
- US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
Cons
- Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.
- There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Stock Exchanges
InstaTrade offers trading on 12 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
- InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
Cons
- Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
- InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
How To Compare ASX Brokers
Online brokers act as an intermediary platform for you to access the Australian Securities Exchange. Choosing the right ASX brokers will help you meet your financial goals. Consider the following factors when comparing brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange
Platform & Tools
When looking for the best Australian Securities Exchange brokers, consider the tools and software offered. Whilst some investors prefer the established MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 terminals, others will feel more comfortable executing trades from a modern and sleek mobile application.
However you choose to trade, look out for Australian Securities Exchange brokers that offer the charts, indicators, and execution modes to execute your trading strategy. An integrated economic calendar could also help you keep on top of ASX news updates and announcements.
Additionally, some of the top-ranked Australian Securities Exchange brokers will offer alternative services such as copy trading, bots or managed accounts. These are ideal for beginners looking to learn from and follow experienced traders.
Fees
A competitive and transparent fee structure is an important comparison between Australian Securities Exchange brokers.
XM, for example, offers commission-free investing on the AUS200Cash index, with spreads from 2 points. IG Group, on the other hand, offers Australian shares for a 0.1% fee or phone dealing with a $50 fee. Same-day bank transfers are also free if depositing more than $100 or equivalent currency.
You should consider all non-trading charges too. As well as account funding fees, review inactivity costs, withdrawal charges and any currency conversion rates if trading in a currency other than your account denomination. If this information is not readily available, reach out to the ASX broker’s customer support team.
Regulation
Regulation is also an important factor when comparing brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange. These will help protect you from scams while ensuring negative balance protection and segregated client funds.
The Australian Securities and Exchange Commission (ASIC) regulates registered providers of financial services and aims to promote informed participation from investors, creating an environment of transparency and integrity. Look out for the ASIC logo when choosing between ASX brokers. Alternatively, look from oversight from other trusted agencies, such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Educational Resources
Accessing educational resources is important, particularly for beginners. The top ASX brokers will provide materials that could help with understanding market cap, top 100 and 200 index listings, and YTD valuation by share value. Leading Australian Securities Exchange brokers will integrate this content into their service offering and update information regularly.
You may also wish to view video and YouTube content, access peer-to-peer platforms, or use books and other internet resources. AvaTrade, for example, offers a comprehensive education section, suitable for investors of all experience levels, with access to webinars and live events. These sessions are often run by experts in the field and may be able to set you up with useful ASX tutorial demonstrations, plus help you understand key trading hours and live investing examples.
What Is The Australian Securities Exchange?
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), originally the Australian Stock Exchange, is one of the top 10 global securities exchanges by value with a total market capitalization of around $2 trillion. Based in Sydney, it was the first major financial market open every day.
Today, the exchange is the largest market for interest rate derivatives in Asia and is among the top 5 globally recognized exchanges for raising capital.
History
The Australian Stock Exchange was founded on 1st April 1987, after the government passed legislation to combine six independent stock exchanges. Although the combined exchange is relatively new, some of the state-based original exchanges dated as far back as the 1800s, including the Sydney Stock Exchange, which was established in 1871. This stock exchange was in fact home to the first computer installed within an Australian exchange, used to streamline clearinghouse functionality and broker-client accounting services.
The Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Future Exchange merged in 2006. This merger expanded ASX’s asset range to include energy and agricultural commodities, index options and interest-rate securities. As a result, the company was renamed to the Australian Securities Exchange to reflect this new diversity of investment and financial products available. The holding company today is also known as the ASX Group.
In 2012, the Australian Liquidity Centre (ALC) was launched, a state-of-the-art data hub supporting the Australian Securities Exchange trade execution and post-trade platforms. In 2013, the exchange expanded to offer global network connectivity via ASX Net Global. Recent activities highlight continuous innovative functionality aiming to enhance the features of the exchange. This includes new platform integration, post-trade solutions for equity market trading and the introduction of mFund, permitting investors to hold, buy and sell units in unlisted funds.
Australian Stock Exchange Vs Australian Securities Exchange
Although still used interchangeably, it should be noted that the stock exchange in Australia is officially called the Australian Securities Exchange (definition ASX, mic code XASX). The Australian Stock Exchange and the Futures Exchange of Sydney merged in 2006 and were renamed under the securities title. Members can trade on the two platforms offered by ASX; ASX Trade and ASX Trade24. We cover these in more detail below.
What Is The Australian Securities Exchange Used For?
The purpose of the Australian Securities Exchange is expansive. It offers listings and trading, has a clearing role, is a market operator and acts as a payments facilitator. Functions also span learning resources for retail investors via the ASX education centre. It also implements and oversees regulator guidance with its operating rules and promotes standards of corporate governance in the market. The company is structured around four divisions; listings, markets, technology & data and securities & payments.
As many significant national companies are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange markets, it can also indicate a gauge of economic health or act as a reflection of the impacts of major events. The Australian stock exchange is well known for being used as an investment platform by individuals across the globe who attempt to make a profit from stock price fluctuations. Traders can invest in a listed corporation’s stocks, ‘short selling’ or ‘going long’ depending on market sentiment trends via registered ASX brokers.
The Australian Securities Exchange live asset list is comprehensive and enables retail investors access to options trading, equities, futures, commodities, mutual funds and more.
How The Australian Securities Exchange Works
Listing Rules
There are several requirements that companies must adhere to before being listed as members on the exchange and be available for intraday trading via registered Australian Securities Exchange brokers. The rules serve the interests of both listed entities and investors, ensuring international competitiveness and the facilitation of efficient capital raising. The application is comprehensive and approval is granted by the provisions of the Corporations Act. The Australian stock exchange’s trading rules include:
- Financial statements should be produced in accordance with adequate auditing standards
- Corporations must disclose information about corporate governance practices to allow security holders the opportunity to express their views openly to the board and management members
- Timely disclosure of information that may have a material effect on the price or value of an entities securities
As with all exchanges, the Australian stock exchange strictly prohibits insider trading.
ASX Systems
There are two Australian Securities Exchange platforms available to intraday investors: ASX Trade and ASX Trade24.
ASX Trade
Used for the investing in equity securities. This platform is based on the NASDAQ OMX system. It is recognized as one of the fastest platforms in the world.
ASX Trade24
Used for the trading of derivative securities. This platform is globally distributed with gateways in New York, London and Sydney and offers 24-hour trading by maintaining two active investment days.
Indices
Stock market indices operate to depict the condition of the market and support investors in identifying patterns and economic health. The S&P/ASX 200 is Australia’s leading share market index, a popular index offered by many international ASX brokers. It comprises the top 200 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange by market capitalization.
Significant listed companies by revenue include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ), Qantas Airways Ltd, Virgin Australia Holdings Limited (VAH), Goodman Group, Vanguard Australian Shares Index Exchange Traded Managed Fund (VAS) and gold mining companies like Newcrest Mining Limited. Use the company search function on the ASX website for full listing details.
The index is maintained by Standard & Poor’s and is considered the benchmark for the Australian Securities Exchange trading equity performance.
The components of the index are selected by the S&P committee based on the below criteria:
- Daily Market Cap – minimum benchmark sizes apply and the previous six months must be considered institutionally investable
- Liquidity – public float trading volume (shares not owned by employees, directors, government agencies, etc) must meet a minimum requirement
- Listing – only stocks listed on the Australian stock exchange can be considered for inclusion and must be an ordinary or preferred equity stock (e.g. no warrants or bonds)
The index was launched in 2000 and is rebalanced every quarter to ensure the included stocks meet the eligibility requirements. In 2021, the top 10 companies listed accounted for almost 50% of the index market cap revenue. The best Australian Securities Exchange brokers will offer key financial metrics on these companies, including any significant impacts on their revenues.
How To Start Day Trading On Australian Securities Exchange
Once you have compared Australian Securities Exchange brokers you’re ready to begin investing. However, before you get started there are a few things to consider:
Strategy
The Australian Securities Exchange has been used for stock trading long before investments in blockchain, futures and options, though that doesn’t make it straightforward. It is worth considering a strategy to turn a profit. The best strategies analyze historical stock price data to help predict future price movements. This is often done through charts, graphs and price movement patterns.
Choose A Stock
Not all company shares are made equal. Volatility, liquidity and trading volume vary from stock to stock and can make a big difference to your potential profits or losses. Review what sort of asset your strategy works best on and find the combination of those attributes that best suits your goals.
It could also be worth testing these combinations via your Australian Securities Exchange brokers demo profile.
Use Pre-Market Movers
The Australian stock exchange offers a long pre-market session, starting at 07:00 AEST. Intraday traders can use this time to scan stocks ahead of the main session opening. Consider what happened yesterday to indicate patterns or potential problems for today. You could look at substantial volume changes, the broader value of the futures market or average volumes across the last month. It can be best to trade in the direction of the market, though there is the occasional breakout against the market.
Note, not all Australian Securities Exchange brokers will offer extended hours investing so do some research before opening a live account.
Opening Hours
The Australian Securities Exchange trading sessions operate Monday to Friday for a total of six hours. Typical main and extended session hours are:
- 07:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pre-opening session
- 10:00 to 16:00 AEST – Main session
- 16:12 to 18:50 AEST- After-hours session
Note that the Australian Eastern Standard Time Zone is GMT + 10, varying with Day Saving Time (DST).
These hours are not necessarily followed by all financial asset classes. Check the ASX website or Australian Securities Exchange published calendars for the latest schedules.
Extended hours are available for electronic transactions only, though access will vary between ASX brokers. The Australian Securities Exchange is not open on Saturdays or Sundays but there is no lunch break during the week. Keep an eye on public holidays, as the stock exchange will not be available for trading during these hours.
Many Australian Securities Exchange brokers will integrate a holiday calendar into personal account portals, including Christmas closures and others upcoming in 2024 and beyond.
For general enquires, the Australian stock exchange offers several contact options, including:
- Phone number – 131 ASX (131 279) or 02 8973 3625
- Address – Customer Service, Exchange Centre, 20 Bridge St, Sydney, NSW 2000
The best brokers with access to the ASX will also offer 24/5, reliable customer support.
Biggest Players
There are more than 2,000 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and the full market listing represents several diverse categories. Four out of the top 10 organizations are the country’s largest banks.
The top 10 largest listed companies by market cap are:
- Commonwealth Bank – the largest bank and company in the country in terms of assets and market cap
- BHP Group Limited – one of the world’s largest resources organizations, among the top producers of iron ore, coal and copper
- CSL Limited – a large pharmaceutical company operating in two segments: CSL Behring and Sequires
- WestPac Banking Corp – Australia’s first bank offering banking and financial services internationally
- National Australia Bank – the country’s third-largest bank and largest business bank
- ANZ Banking Group Limited – fourth-largest bank in the country operating in 33 countries globally
- Fortescue Metals Group Ltd – engages in the exploration, development and production of iron ore, copper and gold in Australia and worldwide
- Wesfarmers Limited – a recognized retailer with operations including home improvements and outdoor living merchandise
- Macquarie Group Limited – diversified financial services company providing clients with asset management and capital solutions listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2007
- Resmed Inc – develops, manufactures and distributes medical devices and software
Trading Tips
There are many ways to increase the potential of your ASX trading strategy. Our top tips include:
News
Keeping up to date with the latest national and international news events is important. This will support you in anticipating significant market movers during your ASX trading session. Australian stock exchange information can also be found on Yahoo Finance.
It was reported in 2020 that the exchange surged after GME Resources Limited was mistaken for cult US GameStop stock, which just proves that keeping an eye on current news stories can help you jump on or steer away from trends being reported.
It is also worth keeping abreast of events happening within the Australian Securities Exchange company list. A quick ASX entity search may prevent your trades from being significantly impacted by those events or filings that cause major volatility. LinkedIn may be a good place to start and may also direct investors to annual report publications.
Historical price data and information will also be published across a variety of sources, including within your Australian Securities Exchange broker’s platform. This could include live prices and quotes, predicted investment volume and upcoming floats. These could help you understand previous market gainers and fallers.
Significant events that have impacted the Australian Securities Exchange include US elections.
Journal
Keeping a journal may not seem the most functional of top tips but it can help with understanding your recent Australian Stock Exchange investment performance. We recommend inputting journal notes on price quotes with the market value at purchase, entry and exit positions, the reason for the trade and the purchase and sell dates.
Some ASK brokers allow notes to be made directly within their platform interface. It doesn’t have to be an extensive task requiring constant updates but should help highlight reasons for mistakes and allow you to improve your strategy going forward.
Demo Accounts
The best Australian Securities Exchange brokers in the market will offer a demo account. A simulated experience is a great way to explore investing strategies on the stock exchange without having to pay market data fees or deposits. Alternatively, up your skills with the ASX’s virtual share market game to practice investing as an individual or within a group.
Final Word On Australian Securities Exchange Brokers
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) brokers offer plenty of intraday opportunities. With some of the largest corporations in the country listed on the exchange, the indices and markets offer openings to profit from the price fluctuations of different companies as well as changes in the economic performance of the country as a whole. Compare Australian Securities Exchange brokers before you get started, follow our top trading tips above, and check out our list of the top ASX brokers.
FAQs
What Is The Main Role Of The Australian Securities Exchange?
The underlying rationale of the Australian Securities Exchange is to offer integrated exchange listings, trading, clearing, settlement, data and technical and information services. However, the top brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange offer retail trading on listed stocks.
Is The Australian Stock Exchange Trading Today?
The Australian Securities Exchange trading days are Monday to Friday, with the main session operating between 10:00 and 16:00 AEST (GMT+10). The exchange closes during public holidays and sometimes instigates trading halts. Keep up to date with market closures and upcoming public holidays via your Australian Securities Exchange broker.
What Does The Australian Securities Exchange Trading Centre Do?
The exchange is structured around four divisions; listings, markets, technology & data and securities & payments. Functions also span the provision of educational resources for retail investors, implementation and oversight of regulatory guidance with its operating rules and the promotion of the standards of corporate governance in the market.
What Is The Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Principles And Recommendations (2019)?
The Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations is a set of eight practices. Listed companies on the ASX should adhere to these to meet the reasonable expectations of the majority of investors. The principles highlight the Australian Securities Exchange investor relations guidance meaning corporations must act lawfully, ethically and responsibly.
When Is The Australian Stock Exchange Main Trading Time In Perth?
The Australian stock exchange operates its main session between 10:00 and 16:00 Sydney time, Perth +2 hours. This will be reflected in your ASX broker’s published calendar.