The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries index saw a price return of 2,892.51 Australian dollars in July 2023. Due to the financial effects of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the price return for the index decreased significantly between the end of February and the end of March 2020.

ASX index performance affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries index is a key benchmark for small-cap Australian companies. The index measures companies included in the S&P/ASX 300 but not in the S&P/ASX 100. In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 index measures the performance of the 200 largest companies listed on the ASX. Due to the financial effects of the global coronavirus pandemic, it lost more than one-fifth of its value between the end of February and the end of March 2020. Since then, it has improved and surpassed its pre-corona level with its value peaking around 7.5 thousand index points in August 2021.

Financial markets in Australia

Financial markets in Australia are an integral part of the country's economy. The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is the country's primary stock exchange and, as of December 2022, it had a domestic market capitalization of approximately 2.46 trillion Australian dollars. As of April 2023, the largest company listed on the ASX was BHP Group Limited, with a total market capitalization of over 228 billion Australian dollars. The financial sector dominated the list of the largest Australian domestic companies, with five of the top 10 companies being either retail or investment banking groups. Overall, financial markets in Australia are diverse, and robust, attracting both local and international investors.

Australia ASX Index: S&P/ASX 300 data was reported at 8,103.900 Point in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 8,460.400 Point for Jan 2025. Australia ASX Index: S&P/ASX 300 data is updated monthly, averaging 4,601.300 Point from May 1992 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 394 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,460.400 Point in Jan 2025 and a record low of 1,419.300 Point in Oct 1992. Australia ASX Index: S&P/ASX 300 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Securities Exchange. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.Z001: Australian Stock Exchange: Indices. The S&P/ASX 300 Index (XKO) provides additional depth and coverage to the S&P/ASX 200 whilst maintaining strict liquidity guidelines. It provides up to an additional 100 small-cap stocks to the S&P/ASX 200. The S&P/ASX 300 Index forms the basis for the Vanuard Australian Shares Index 300 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).