ASX ChartWatch: Trends Shift as Retail Giants Slip

3 min read | April 15, 2026 09:56 AM AEST | By Sam

Highlights

  • Uptrend stocks show strong momentum across sectors
  • Retail and consumer names dominate downtrend list
  • Technical signals highlight shifting market sentiment

ASX trend scans reveal strong momentum in select sectors while retail stocks face pressure, highlighting a divided market shaped by shifting sentiment and evolving economic conditions.

The ASX 200 continues to present mixed signals, with technical scans revealing a clear divide between stocks gaining momentum and those losing ground. Recent ChartWatch analysis highlights how trend-following indicators are capturing evolving sentiment across the Australian equity landscape.

What are the strongest uptrends on the ASX right now?

Which stocks are showing upward momentum?

A cluster of stocks across resources, technology, and energy sectors have emerged as notable uptrend leaders. Companies such as Starpharma Holdings (ASX:SPL) and Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) reflect strong buying demand based on technical patterns.

Other names in the uptrend category span diverse industries, from rare earths and mining to clean energy and artificial intelligence-focused businesses. This breadth suggests that momentum is not confined to a single sector but rather spread across multiple growth themes.

Why are these uptrends significant?

Technical uptrends typically indicate sustained demand, where buyers consistently step in at higher levels. These signals can highlight areas where market confidence is building, even amid broader uncertainty.

Which stocks are facing downward pressure?

Why are retail names under pressure?

Several well-known consumer-facing companies, including Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES), JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX:JBH), and Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX:HVN), have appeared on the downtrend list. This suggests weakening momentum in segments tied to discretionary spending.

The presence of these names reflects broader concerns around consumer confidence and spending patterns, particularly in an environment influenced by cost pressures and economic uncertainty.

What other stocks are trending lower?

Beyond retail, companies such as IDP Education Limited (ASX:IEL) and Lifestyle Communities Limited (ASX:LIC) also feature among declining trends. These movements indicate that pressure is not limited to one industry but spans multiple segments of the market.

What do these technical signals reveal about market sentiment?

Is the market becoming more selective?

The divergence between uptrends and downtrends suggests increasing selectivity among market participants. While certain sectors attract strong buying interest, others are experiencing sustained selling pressure.

Are macro factors influencing trends?

Broader economic themes, including global uncertainty and shifts in consumer behaviour, appear to be influencing stock performance. These factors can shape both short-term technical movements and longer-term positioning.

How should these trend scans be interpreted?

What is the purpose of trend-based analysis?

Trend-following analysis aims to identify patterns of supply and demand within the market. By observing price movements over time, it highlights stocks that are gaining or losing momentum.

Are trends permanent?

Trends can change as market conditions evolve. Stocks that appear in uptrend or downtrend lists may shift categories as new information emerges or sentiment changes.

Final perspective

The latest ASX trend scans underline a market characterised by contrast, where strong momentum in select stocks sits alongside weakness in others. This divergence reflects evolving sentiment and highlights the importance of monitoring both sector dynamics and broader economic signals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an ASX trend scan?

    It identifies stocks showing strong upward or downward momentum.

  • Which stocks are trending higher?

    Names like Starpharma and Viva Energy are showing upward momentum.

  • Why are retail stocks declining?

    Weak consumer sentiment and spending concerns are weighing on the sector.


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (Kalkine Media, we or us), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary. Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.


AU_advertise

Advertise your brand on Kalkine Media

Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.