Highlights:

• Average daily cash market trades increased 22% year-on-year, while on-market trading value rose 11%.
• Futures activity strengthened, with average daily futures volume up 26% and options on futures jumping 60%.
• Total new capital quoted declined to AU$4.0 billion, while net new capital quoted remained negative during August.

ASX Limited (ASX: ASX) reported stronger trading activity across several of its key markets during August 2026, although capital-raising activity moderated and delistings continued to weigh on net new capital. The company released its ASX Group Monthly Activity Report for August 2026 on 4 September 2026.

Cash Market Activity Gains Pace

Trading activity in ASX's cash markets showed solid year-on-year growth. The average daily number of trades increased 22% compared with the prior corresponding period, reaching more than 3.13 million trades per day. The average daily on-market value traded climbed 11% to AU$7.927 billion, while total cash market value rose 9% to AU$199.675 billion for the month. The data pointed to increased investor participation, despite relatively stable market volatility during August.

Futures and Options Trading Accelerates

ASX's derivatives markets also recorded strong growth. Average daily futures volume rose 26% year-on-year to 748,243 contracts, while average daily options on futures volume increased 60%. Combined futures and options on futures trading averaged 750,313 contracts per day, representing a 26% increase on the prior corresponding period. Meanwhile, the notional value of centrally cleared OTC interest rate derivatives rose 61% to AU$795.062 billion, highlighting stronger clearing activity.

Capital Raisings Face a Softer Month

Listings and capital-raising activity presented a more mixed picture. Total new capital quoted during August stood at AU$3.989 billion, down 13% from the prior corresponding period. ASX recorded 10 new listed entities during the month, compared with four a year earlier. However, entities delisted during the period represented approximately AU$9.993 billion in quoted market capitalisation, resulting in negative AU$6.004 billion in net new capital quoted.

Settlement Holdings Continue to Rise

The value of securities held in CHESS increased 5% year-on-year to AU$3.620 trillion, while Austraclear securities holdings rose 12% to AU$3.671 trillion. Overall, ASX's August figures showed continued momentum in trading and clearing activity, with stronger market participation providing a positive backdrop despite softer capital formation trends.Note- All data presented is based on information available at the time of writing.Disclaimer for Kapitales ResearchThe materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.