• The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology sector fell 4.43% in October but leads ASX sectors YTD,  up 41.95%
  • Global X investment strategist Billy Leung said Australian tech stocks were largely impacted by company-specific events in October
  • TZ rose 321% higher in October with news that it had entered a deal to acquire Proptech company Keyvision Holdings

 

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology sector fell 4.43% in October in what was a weaker month for global markets but remains the ASX’s top-performing sector of 2024, up 41.95% YTD.

 

Chart via S&P

 

The US Nasdaq Composite index – the bellwether for the global tech sector – fell 0.5% in October.

Global X investment strategist Billy Leung told Stockhead despite the significance of macro factors like the US elections, geopolitics, and RBA commentary, Australian tech stocks were largely impacted by company-specific events.

“Other ASX sectors, including Energy and Materials, underperformed largely due to external pressures like China’s economic slowdown and the lack of clear policy stimulus, which impacted commodity demand,” he said.

“Against this, Australian tech remains a more internally driven sector, with company fundamentals playing a pivotal role.”

 

The top ASX tech winners in October

Scroll or swipe to reveal table. Click headings to sort. 

Wordpress Table Plugin

 

TZ Ltd (ASX:TZL) rocketed 321% higher in October with news that it had entered into a Heads of Agreement to acquire Proptech company, Keyvision Holdings,  a “high margin, recurring revenue proptech company that provides Tenant Experience Apps for the property sector: Residential; Commercial; Retail; Aged Care and Community Groups”, according to the announcement.

TZL also reported its latest quarterly reports including revenue of $2.8m, short of the targeted $3.7m plan, with the company impacted by delays to projects in the US that would have delivered an additional $750K in top line revenue.

While the US operating subsidiary fell short of their quarterly revenue target, TZL said the Australia New Zealand region, ASIA and EMEA, all exceeded revenue expectations for the quarter.

Nanoveu (ASX:NVU) rose 115% higher during October with news it planned to acquire EMASS, a company which has advanced chip technology that allows devices to perform complex tasks quickly without relying on the internet.

By purchasing EMASS for $5 million in shares, NVU gains access to unique technology and patents. This innovation can create glasses-free 3D experiences, making products more engaging across various devices. Investors are excited as NVU plans to integrate this technology into its own offerings, potentially opening up new opportunities in the AI market.

Vection Technologies (ASX:VR1) rose 113% higher in October. During the month VR1 announced that it had partnered with IT giant Dell to launch its AI-based ‘Algho’ platform, securing its first sale of $500k.

The ‘Algho’ platform is powered by the core AI technology of TDB, a generative AI company Vection is acquiring, and will now be  available to Dell’s salesforce and channel partners.

VR1 said the collaboration positionsed Vection at the forefront of AI and Spatial Computing, providing advanced enterprise-ready AI solutions to Dell’s global customer base.

Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) rose 66% in October, announcing during the month a globally significant breakthrough for its unique lithium sulfur cell chemistry.

The latest substantial improvement in the performance of its battery technology brings the company even closer to commercialising its tech as it targets the rapidly growing drones, defence and electric aviation markets where weight is critical.

Life360 (ASX:360) rose ~16%  in October as Leung said investors positioned ahead of the company’s Q3 results.

“Life360, known for its family safety and location-sharing app, has seen strong traction by monetising a high-margin subscription model,” he said.

“The business is expected to maintain this growth while driving towards profitability in FY24, setting it as a promising tech player in Aussie market.”

 

The top ASX tech losers in October

Scroll or swipe to reveal table. Click headings to sort. 

Wordpress Table Plugin

 

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) saw a 14% decline in October after allegations of misconduct by founder, executive director and CEO Richard White. It was announced on October 24 that White would transition to a strategic advisory role.

“The company’s CargoWise platform, widely used by large freight forwarders, continues to support its growth,” Leung said.

“WiseTech also has expansion opportunities through new offerings, including Container Transport Optimisation and ComplianceWise, which are expected to support its long-term strategy.

“Investors are looking to the upcoming Investor Day in December for reassurance on management stability and the company’s growth roadmap.”

At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Li-S Energy is a Stockhead advertiser, it did not sponsor this article.