The one question these investors want answered this ASX reporting season

Investors always have plenty of questions on their minds but that is particularly true this coming August. As AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver points out in the upcoming episode of Signal or Noise, a lot has to go right over the next four weeks for the ASX 200 to keep pushing past its record high.

Then, there are the fundamental questions that the macro will help inform.

1. Equity analysts have already lowered their expectations for many stocks - but will the companies behind these stocks be able to leapfrog that bar? 
2. We know interest rates are high but consumers have been resilient until now. Is this the month when we see the straw break the camel's back? 
3. Will our largest dividend payers - the Big Four banks and the resources companies - continue to keep their big payouts or will an increasingly tough economic environment cause them to act with caution?

All of this put together is setting up an incredibly interesting and telling reporting season. Signal or Noise is here to get you ready for the next four weeks and beyond. Joining me and Dr Oliver are two more of Australia's leading investment minds - Aaron Binsted, Portfolio Manager on the Australian Equity Strategy at Lazard Asset Management and David Cassidy, Head of Investment Strategy at Wilsons Advisory.

Note: This interview was taped on Wednesday 31 July 2024.

Together, the team discuss:

• Whether ASX 200 earnings can rebound 10% in FY25
• Can the percentage of companies improving earnings rise above 50% in August?
• Will dividend payouts exceed the $34 billion mark set in February?
• One question each member of the panel wants answered this reporting season
• One stock (or sector) the team are keeping a close eye on this August - Aaron nominated Domino's Pizza (ASX: DMP), David nominated CSL (ASX: CSL) and Shane nominated the consumer sector.

The main program will be released on Monday 5 August 2024.