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.

> CleanTech sector profile - Dec 09 (PDF 92KB)

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.

> Financials sector profile - Nov 09 (PDF 106KB)

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.

> Industrials and materials sector profile - Nov 09 (PDF 105KB)

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

> Metals and mining sector profile - Nov 09 (PDF 107KB)

> Energy and utilities sector profile - Nov 09 (PDF 110KB)

> Resources events

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.

> Consumer sector profile - Nov 09 (PDF 109KB)

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 - Nov 09 (PDF 94KB)

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.

> IT and telco sector profile - Nov 09 (PDF 101KB)