ASX 200 shares are at a 100-day high. Is now the time to buy?

ASX 200 shares are surging right now as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) hits a new 100-day high. What does it all mean for investors?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The last few months have been strong for ASX 200 shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has surged to a 100-day high of 6,229.40 points as at yesterday's close. That's good news for those in the market but what does it mean for those looking to buy?

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward

Image source: Getty Images

Why ASX 200 shares are at a 100-day high

The interesting thing right now is there are a few different factors bubbling away in the background. The coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate investor sentiment while monetary and fiscal policy are starting to come to the fore.

Yesterday, the benchmark Aussie index jumped 0.85% or 52.60 points higher thanks to easing Victorian restrictions. Less restrictions is good for the economy and that saw a number of ASX 200 shares like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) surge higher.

I think hitting a 100-day high is the good news investors need right now. The March bear market seems like an age ago with strong stimulus and monetary policy measures helping to keep the economy afloat.

The Federal Budget announced in recent weeks also contained some good news for business. That's especially the case for major infrastructure shares like Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) given the $10 billion spending boost in the sector.

Similarly, shares like SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) have been charging higher thanks to big efforts to reduce unemployment.

We're also starting to see more initial public offerings (IPO) and M&A (merger and acquisition) activity increasing which could be a good signal for the current state of the share market.

All of these factors have helped to push ASX 200 shares to a new 100-day high and momentum could be a key factor heading into the end of the year.

Foolish takeaway

ASX 200 shares are charging higher and that could mean now is a time to buy. I still think the idea of a 'two-speed' economy rings true.

That means now is the time to think long-term but buy with short-term policy triggers and potential winners in mind.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SEEK Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Three excited business people cheer around a laptop in the office
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett.
Opinions

3 ASX stocks that look like classic Warren Buffett investments

Here's why I think the Oracle of Omaha be interested in the ASX shares.

Read more »

Two happy shoppers looking at a smartphone together.
Share Market News

Why did ASX 200 retail shares outperform last week?

Wesfarmers, Light & Wonder, Nick Scali, and Temple & Webster shares surged 10% or more.

Read more »

Siblings laying upside down on a couch.
Opinions

2 ASX 200 shares I'd want my kids to own

These are two of my top picks right now.

Read more »

A man sits cross-legged in a zen pose on top of his desk as papers fly around his head, keeping calm amid the volatility.
Share Market News

What $500 a month in ASX ETFs looks like in 10 years

Boring, automatic, and relentless. That's how most everyday wealth actually gets built.

Read more »

A man in a suit looks serious while discussing business dealings with a couple as they sit around a computer at a desk in a bank home lending scenario.
Share Market News

Here's what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next week

Is there another rate hike coming next week? Let's see what Australia's oldest bank is forecasting.

Read more »

A graphic image of a pile of gold coins balanced precariously with a house on top with smoke coming out of the chimney and a human figure with hands up as if to shield himself from the prospect of the house falling.
Broker Notes

This debt collector could surge 47% on negative gearing changes, Shaw and Partners says

A weaker housing market could be a boon for this company.

Read more »

Three young nerds dressed in suits with thinking caps and lightbulbs
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Let's find out which shares top brokers are feeling bullish about this week.

Read more »