CommSec Market Update

The ASX200 slipped about 0.2% for a third straight session, leaving the week down roughly 1.3%. Materials led gains, up 1.6% driven by Liontown (+12%) and IGO, while gold rose 4% on strong prices. Energy fell 1.4% as oil hit a five‑year low. US job growth slowed and unemployment hit 4.6%, trimming market expectations for an early Fed rate cut. Upcoming data includes US crude inventories, US jobs and retail figures, plus Australian population and national‑account releases, and AGMs for ANZ and Elders.

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US share markets slipped on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 weighed down by healthcare stocks as investors digested distorted economic data. The US dollar fell after delayed data pointed to softer jobs growth, while energy stocks sank as oil slipped below $60 a barrel amid Russia–Ukraine talks. European equities also retreated, led by sharp declines in defence stocks. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to fall for a third straight session ahead of the mid-year economic update.

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The ASX200 closed down 0.4% for a second straight session, led by energy off 2.3% and tech off 2.5% for a seventh day. DroneShield surged 22% after winning a €50 million European contract, while Orica rose 2.5% on strong explosives demand. Investors look ahead to US retail, jobs, manufacturing and inflation data, plus upcoming dividend payouts.

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Wall Street was subdued as investors brace for a busy week of jobs data, with US stocks edging lower while Treasuries firmed as the Fed rate debate continued. In company news, Tesla shares pushed toward a record high for the first time this year, while ServiceNow fell as analysts weighed the merits of its Armis acquisition. In commodities, oil prices slipped as the broader supply outlook offset disruptions to Venezuelan flows, copper rose on a weaker US dollar, and gold climbed to a seven-week high. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to fall ahead of consumer confidence data.

The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

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The ASX200 fell 62 points, about 0.7%, its worst day in three weeks. The materials sector led losses, down 2.2% on dropping copper and iron ore prices and weaker Chinese data, with BHP and Rio pulling the market down. DroneShield bucked the trend, up roughly 10.5%. Investors now focus on US manufacturing, jobs and inflation releases, upcoming Fed speeches and the RBA’s Brad Jones address later today.

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US stocks fell as concerns over AI exuberance resurfaced, with Broadcom sliding amid margin worries, while Lululemon rallied after raising its annual profit outlook. Meanwhile, US government bond yields rose after Fed officials warned of lingering inflation pressures. Elsewhere, European shares also retreated as a risk-off mood spilled into commodities. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to open the week lower, snapping their longest winning streak since August.

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The Aussie market posted its best gain in three weeks, making it a third consecutive positive week, as global rate cut expectations and soaring commodity prices drove strong performance. Stevie and Laura review a volatile week that ended on a high note, with the benchmark index up 1.2% for the day. The Materials sector was the clear standout, lifting 2% to hit an all-time high, driven by gold and copper climbing to record prices following the US Federal Reserve's rate cut. The biggest individual gainers included several gold and uranium miners, while losers included Metcash, which traded ex-dividend, and shipbuilder Austal. Looking ahead, the final full week of trade brings important interest rate decisions from the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan, alongside key US jobs and inflation data.

📺 Stay updated with the key factors that could influence the Australian and US share markets in 2026 with our 2026 Market Outlook.

The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

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The Dow Jones jumped 600 points to a record high as an Oracle-led slide in AI names triggered a broader rotation out of the trade. Elsewhere, Walt Disney announced a $1 billion investment in OpenAI while fertiliser stocks climbed as Ukraine struck Russian fertiliser plants. At the same time, US Treasuries fell for a second straight session following the Fed’s statement and jobless claims posted their biggest rise since March 2020. In commodities, silver hit an all-time high, and copper climbed to a fresh record after the Fed’s rate cut. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to jump on China stimulus hopes.

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Stevie and Laura unpack a busy Thursday where the ASX jumped early on a US Fed rate cut, only to lose steam after a mixed local jobs report. The market still closed slightly higher, helped by gains in materials and real estate, while tech and healthcare dragged. Scentre Group was one of the standout performers after interest emerged in a potential stake sale at Westfield Sydney, Flight Center jumped on upgraded profit expectations following its UK cruise acquisition, and Myer surged on record Black Friday sales. On the weaker side, IAG slipped after the ACCC knocked back its planned WA insurance purchase.

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The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates and has signalled one more reduction in 2026. In company news, GE Vernova surged as AI-driven demand supported higher dividends and buybacks, while Amazon’s growing grocery momentum pressured shares of Instacart and DoorDash. In commodities, oil rose after the Trump administration seized oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast, and copper and iron ore rebounded on China stimulus hopes. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to open higher ahead of key jobs data.

The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.