Australian Sydney Index Futures Margin & Contract Specifications

What Is the Australian Sydney Index?

The Australian Sydney Index, officially known as the S&P/ASX 200 Index, is composed of the 200 largest and most liquid companies listed in Australia. It represents approximately 80% of the total market capitalization of the Australian stock market and is calculated using free-float market capitalization weighting, meaning companies with larger tradable market caps have a greater influence on the index.

The index is heavily weighted toward financials and materials. Financials account for roughly 30%–35%, dominated by Australia’s four major banks, while materials/resources make up about 20%–25%. As a major resource-exporting country, Australia’s mining giants play a critical role in index performance.

Factors Affecting the Price of the Australian Sydney Index (S&P/ASX 200)

1. Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Policy and Economic Conditions

Australia’s GDP growth, industrial output, and retail sales reflect overall economic conditions. Strong economic data generally support gains in the ASX 200.
The RBA’s assessment of inflation influences interest rates. Rate hikes increase corporate financing costs and may suppress risk assets, which is typically negative for the ASX 200.

2. Australian Dollar Exchange Rate and Commodity Prices

As a major commodity exporter, Australia’s economic momentum is closely tied to commodity prices. Rising prices for iron ore and energy, or strong export performance, usually signal healthy economic conditions, which can strengthen the Australian dollar (AUD) and attract foreign capital—supporting index prices.
Many Australian exporters (resource and energy companies) earn revenues in U.S. dollars. When the AUD depreciates, these companies receive higher AUD-denominated revenues, which is generally positive for share prices and the index.

3. Corporate Earnings and Financial Results

Approximately 50%–60% of the index weight comes from financials and materials, making the ASX 200 highly sensitive to these sectors. The four major banks—CBA, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—together account for over 30% of the index. Bank profitability, net interest margins, and the health of Australia’s property market largely determine the index’s tone.
Mining giants such as BHP and Rio Tinto have share prices closely linked to global commodity prices.
Strong earnings, positive outlooks, and solid cash flows from leaders in the financial and materials sectors typically drive the overall index higher.

4. Global Linkages

Australia’s heavy reliance on resource exports makes global demand a key driver. China, Australia’s largest trading partner, has a direct impact: Chinese steel production, infrastructure spending, and property policies influence iron ore demand, which in turn affects Australian mining stocks and the ASX 200.
Global equity markets are highly interconnected. Sharp rallies or sell-offs in U.S. equities often spill over into other markets, influencing Australian index prices.

5. Market Sentiment and Geopolitics

Australia’s market has a high level of foreign participation and is sensitive to global risk appetite. During geopolitical conflicts—such as the Ukraine war—or unexpected events like energy crises or pandemics, investor sentiment often turns cautious. Capital tends to rotate out of equities and into safe-haven assets such as gold or government bonds, placing strong selling pressure on the index.

ASX SPI 200 INDEX FUTURES Margin

How much money is needed to trade futures? At the beginning, the required margin is the initial margin. While holding a position, the margin after deducting floating profits and losses must remain above the maintenance margin; otherwise, a margin call will be issued. For day-trading margin, only half of the margin is required, provided the position is closed before the market closes.

Foreign Futures

ASX SPI 200 INDEX FUTURES (specific legal person) Contract Specifications

Here is a summary for traders of the contract specifications, exchange, trading hours, minimum price fluctuation, and available trading months for ASX SPI 200 INDEX FUTURES (specific legal person)Futures.

ASX SPI 200 INDEX FUTURESLast Trading Day

Futures