Why are ASX 200 tech shares having such a cracking start to the week?

The tech sector has taken its lead from Wall Street today.

A group of friends cheer around a smart phone.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • The tech sector is outperforming the broader market on Monday, with the ASX 200 tech index posting a 1.3% gain
  • It follows a strong session on Wall Street on Friday that saw the Nasdaq Composite lift 2.1%
  • Leading the ASX 200 tech sector is the EML Payments share price, followed by that of Block and Life360

Tech shares are outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on Monday.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has lifted 1.6% compared to the broader index's 0.99% rise at the time of writing.

That makes it the market's second-best performing sector, behind only the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ).

Further, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) has lifted 1.21% right now.

So, what's driving tech shares higher on Monday and which ASX 200 constituents are leading the sector? Let's take a look.

Why are ASX 200 tech shares outperforming today?

ASX 200 tech shares have started the week out on the right foot following a strong session on Wall Street.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) lifted 2.11% to post its third consecutive gain on Friday after dumping 8.6% between 25 August and 6 September. The index ultimately gained 4.14% over the course of last week.

And ASX 200 tech stocks are following its lead. The tech sector gained 3.8% last week, while today's rise has boosted it to a three-week high.

It appears that one of the most embattled stocks is posting the biggest gains today. The best performing ASX 200 tech share right now is EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML), having gained 6.5% to trade at $1.065 at the time of writing.

It plummeted 11% on 24 August after the company revealed it identified fraudulent activity within its debt processing business.

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is also posting a notable gain today, rising 4.9% to $109 right now.

Meanwhile, in third place is the Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) share price. It's currently up 5.5% at $5.73.

Its fellow market favourites Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) and NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are also pushing higher, gaining 3.1% and 2.8% respectively.

However, the ASX 200 tech sector has a long way to go to catch up with the broader market. It has dumped 28% year to date, while the All Tech Index has slumped 27%.

For context, the ASX 200 has lost 8% since the start of this year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc., EML Payments, Life360, Inc., and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. and EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Will the Droneshield share price double in 2026?

One broker sees potential for a 150% gain from current levels.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Technology Shares

Why is this surging ASX tech stock jumping another 12% on Friday?

This growing company's shares are now up 380% since the start of the year.

Read more »

Man on computer looking at graphs
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy Xero shares today

A leading investment expert has a bullish outlook on Xero shares. Let’s see why.

Read more »

A warehouse worker is standing next to a shelf and using a digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Is WiseTech shaping up as a bargain after its steep decline?

WiseTech shares have pulled back sharply in recent months, giving up a fair bit of the momentum they built earlier…

Read more »

discount asx shares represented by gold baloons in the form of thirty per cent.
Technology Shares

When a top ASX stock falls 30%, it gets my attention. Here's why

The recent share price fall has been hard to ignore, which raises the question of whether the market has overreacted…

Read more »

A man sits in casual clothes in front of a computer amid graphic images of data superimposed on the image, as though he is engaged in IT or hacking activities.
Technology Shares

Megaport shares tipped to jump another 60%: Here's why

Here's what will drive the shares higher over the next months.

Read more »

excited woman looking at ASX share price on computer screen
Technology Shares

4 reasons to buy this ASX 300 tech share today

A leading investment expert forecasts more outperformance from this ASX tech share.

Read more »

person sitting at outdoor table looking at mobile phone and credit card.
Technology Shares

Investors should put these 2 top ASX tech shares on the watchlist

These technology investments could deliver exciting growth.

Read more »