Industry sectors

CleanTech

Constituents of the clean technology segment operate in the renewable energy, alternative fuels, waste and recycling, energy efficiency and carbon sectors. The clean technology sector is a likely beneficiary of the expanded Renewable Energy Target (RET), proposed introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and any post Kyoto agreement on climate change.

Financials

The financial sector is the largest industry sector by capitalisation and consists of trading and investment banks, asset managers, insurance companies, REITs and other providers of financial services. Due to compulsory superannuation, Australia has the fourth largest pension fund pool in the world, creating a favourable environment for banks, asset management, financial planning and insurance companies.

Industrials and Materials

The industrial sector consists of a broad range of companies in construction and engineering, infrastructure, transport and commercial services. The materials sector (excluding metals and mining) includes producers of agricultural commodities, fertilisers, paper and forestry products, chemicals and building materials.

Resources

ASX offers exposure to some of the world's leading resource companies along with a growing number of mid-tier producers and exploration companies developing energy and mineral deposits. An overview of the sector along with more detailed information on the sub-sectors including metals and mining, oil and gas, gold and steel is provided.

> More on the resources sector

> Equity Financing for Africa (PDF 3.25MB)

Energy and Utilities Sector Profile (PDF 458KB)

Metals and Mining Sector Profile (PDF 464KB)

Consumer

Companies operating in the consumer sector are distinguished by the discretionary or staple nature of their product offering. Companies involved in the production and distribution of food and beverages are considered to be staples, whereas companies involved in media, general retailing and gambling make up the consumer discretionary sector.

Healthcare and Biotechnology

The healthcare sector represents a diverse range of companies including major Australian success stories in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical practice and pathology, as well as junior life sciences and medical device companies. An explanation of biotechnology along with information on valuing biotech companies and the considerations associated with investing in this sector is provided.

> More on the biotech sector

Healthcare and Biotechnology Sector Profile (PDF 436KB)

ASX Life Science Investing and Funding Opportunities (PDF 744KB)

Code of Best Practice for Reporting by Life Science Companies (PDF 723KB) 

Information Technology and Telecommunications

The listed IT and telecommunications sector consists of several large corporates, including telecommunications carriers and numerous small to medium sized businesses. SMEs make up the majority of the sector and consist of telecommunications distributors and resellers, IT consultancies and software developers and vendors.