50% of the ASX is banks and miners. Should you bet against the market?

It's no secret that the ASX is incredibly concentrated. 50% of the ASX 200 is made up of banks and miners. In the top 10 stocks on the ASX alone, only three (CSL, Wesfarmers and Goodman Group) don't fit within the financial or materials sectors.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials index has risen 23.99% over the last 12 months, while the Banks index has pushed 27.82% higher. All the indices that track materials and miners, on the other hand, are in the red - except for the index tracking gold companies, which has soared 19.04%. For context, the ASX 200 has lifted 8.88% in the last 12 months. 

So, is concentration a curse? Or should we be putting our trust in Mr Market to get it right?

To find out, Livewire's Ally Selby was joined by Market Matters' James Gerrish and Marcus Today's Henry Jennings. 

They share the risks and opportunities that come with concentration, how they are positioned on banks and miners, as well as one theme (and one stock) they are really excited about over the next 12 months. 

And just because we love a dash of drama, we also asked our guests to name a big bank or miner that they would rate a "STRONG SELL" today. 

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday 31 July 2024. You can read an edited transcript below.

https://www.livewiremarkets.com/wires/50-of-the-asx-is-banks-and-miners-should-you-bet-against-the-market