The S&P/ASX 200 measures the performance of the 200 largest index-eligible stocks listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Index constituents are drawn from eligible companies listed on the ASX, but these can be primary or secondary listings. The secondary listing is that by a company with its primary listing in another country or on another exchange.

How Do You Trade AUS200?

Using mutual funds or ETFs made up of stocks or futures, you can buy and sell the S&P 200 index. You can also buy and sell the S&P 200 index through Contracts for Difference (CFDs). There are a lot of ways to trade like the S&P 200. You can buy stocks or futures from each of the 200companies in the S&P 200 companies.

Where Can I Find a Trusted Forex Broker to Trade AUS200?

FP Markets allows you to get in on the major global stock indexes through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) that are traded on world-class trading platforms at low leverage. Online trading CFD indices is a great way to get involved in the world's most important stock markets. For as little as 1%, you can trade CFD index futures from countries around the world. You can also trade them with margins as low as 1%. For each point that you buy or sell, you'll have to pay an extra Australian dollar (AU$1). With access to the NASDAQ 100, S&P 500, EUREX, and other indices, you can keep an eye on the stock market in other countries.

ASX 200 Trading | Trade AUS200 CFDs

ASX 200 Index
(Australia 200)

What is the S&P/ASX 200?

The S&P/ASX 200 is Australia's leading institutional investable stock market index, tracking 200 of the largest and most liquid stocks listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Launched in 2000, it is weighted by float-adjusted market capitalisation, so larger companies generally have a greater influence on its movements. The index is calculated in real time in Australian dollars and rebalanced quarterly.

Its constituents include major Australian companies such as BHP Group (BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), Wesfarmers (WES), CSL Limited (CSL), Rio Tinto (RIO) and Woodside Energy (WDS), providing exposure to sectors including financials, materials, healthcare, consumer and energy.

Why trade the ASX 200?

The ASX 200 offers a way to gain exposure to a broad group of Australia's largest and most liquid listed companies through a single index.

Rather than analysing 200 individual companies, traders can focus on the broader factors influencing Australian shares, including monetary policy, economic conditions, commodities, financial markets and global sentiment.

The index also provides a useful market benchmark. Its movements can offer insight into the overall direction and sentiment of Australia's large-cap equity market.

ASX 200 sectors

The ASX 200 provides exposure to a range of industries. Financial companies have historically played an important role in the index, alongside materials, healthcare, energy, consumer and other sectors.

For example, financials include major banks such as CBA, NAB, Westpac and ANZ, while the materials sector includes companies such as BHP and Rio Tinto. Healthcare exposure includes CSL, while Woodside provides exposure to the energy sector and Wesfarmers to the consumer segment.

Interest-rate decisions, commodity prices, the Australian dollar (AUD), global market sentiment and developments affecting banks and resource companies can all contribute to changes in ASX 200 prices.

ASX 200 vs individual shares

Trading the ASX 200 provides exposure to the broader performance of a basket of large Australian companies, rather than relying on the performance of a single stock.

For example, an individual share such as BHP may be affected by developments in commodities and mining, while CBA and other major banks may be more sensitive to interest rates, lending conditions and the Australian economy. CSL can respond to developments affecting the healthcare and biotechnology industries.

By trading the ASX 200, traders can instead take a view on the direction of the broader Australian large-cap equity market.

Long vs short ASX 200 trading

When trading the ASX 200 through a Contract for Difference (CFD), you can take either a long or short position, depending on your view of the market.

Going long means you are taking a position that the ASX 200 could rise. If the index moves higher, the position may generate a profit, before applicable costs. If the index moves lower, the position may incur a loss.

Going short means you are taking a position that the ASX 200 could fall. If the index declines, the position may generate a profit, before applicable costs. If the index rises instead, the position may incur a loss.

CFDs allow traders to speculate on both rising and falling markets without owning the underlying index constituents. However, CFDs are leveraged products, meaning gains and losses can be magnified. It is important to understand leverage, margin and the costs associated with trading before opening a position.

What moves the ASX 200?

The ASX 200 can be influenced by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest-rate expectations, economic conditions, commodity prices and developments affecting major sectors such as financials, resources and energy.

Global market sentiment, movements in the Australian dollar and company-specific developments such as earnings, dividends and corporate announcements can also influence the index. As the ASX 200 includes companies with significant international operations, global economic and market developments can also feed through to Australian equities.

Explore Direct Market Access (DMA) trading

DMA is a form of execution where orders are sent straight to the underlying exchange's order book, rather than being filled internally by a broker. This gives traders a genuine exchange price feed, full market depth, and live order flow, so pricing reflects real supply and demand rather than a broker-generated quote.

With FP Markets, traders can apply this DMA model to the ASX 200, gaining direct access to the underlying shares that make up the index via the IRESS and Mottai platforms. Both provide a genuine Level 2 ASX price feed and route orders straight to the market, allowing traders to build direct exposure to individual ASX-listed companies alongside their index-level positioning.

Trade ASX 200 & global indices

Alongside the ASX 200, FP Markets offers access to major global indices, including the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones, FTSE 100, DAX 40, Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng.

Explore the full range of index markets available with FP Markets.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the ASX 200?

The S&P/ASX 200 is Australia's leading institutional investable benchmark index. It measures the performance of 200 of the largest and most liquid eligible companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, based on float-adjusted market capitalisation.

Can I trade the ASX 200 with FP Markets?

Yes. FP Markets provides access to index CFDs, including the ASX 200. Traders can use CFDs to speculate on movements in major equity indices without owning the underlying index constituents.

Can I trade the ASX 200 long and short?

Yes. Index CFDs allow traders to take either long or short positions. A long position is generally used when you expect the ASX 200 to rise, while a short position is generally used when you expect it to fall.

Is the AUS200 the same as the ASX 200?

Yes. AUS200 is commonly used as a trading name for the S&P/ASX 200, Australia's leading benchmark stock market index.

How can I trade the AUS200 with CFDs?

You can trade the AUS200 through a CFD by taking a long or short position on the index's price movement, without owning its underlying shares. CFDs are leveraged products, so gains and losses can be magnified.

What companies are included in the AUS200?

The ASX 200 includes 200 of the largest and most liquid stocks listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Major companies include BHP, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, NAB, Wesfarmers, CSL, Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy. Constituents can change following regular index reviews.

What is the difference between trading the AUS200 and buying ASX shares?

Trading the AUS200 through a CFD means speculating on the movement of the broader index without owning the underlying shares. Buying ASX shares gives you ownership of individual companies, such as BHP or CBA.