Aug 4, 2026 – 8.00pmFund managers are bracing for the wildest earnings season yet for the ASX, avoiding retail and housing sectors but doubling down on technology, defence and energy stocks as algorithmic trading wreaks havoc on the market.The rise of index-tracking funds, high-speed trading and so-called “pod shops” that trade aggressively on daily headlines means even minor earnings misses or beats could trigger wild price moves.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles