CommSec Market Update

Aussie stocks cracked fresh record highs today, with the ASX 200 lifting past 8,800 points for the first time ever. Markets are buoyed by optimism around US rate cuts and easing trade uncertainty, even as Trump’s new tariffs come into effect tomorrow. Meanwhile, a tagging error by the ASX sparked confusion for TPG Telecom, and gold stocks rallied on the final day of the Diggers and Dealers forum. Plus, REA Group soared on strong earnings, IDP Education bounced, and Pinnacle and News Corp surged. 

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Wall Street ended lower overnight, surrendering early gains as investors weighed fresh signs of ‘stagflation’. In corporate news, Caterpillar revealed the impact of tariffs on its earnings, while Donald Trump announced plans to lift tariffs on pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports. Meanwhile, Tesla shares dipped on weaker sales in Europe, and oil prices fell for a fourth straight session amid cooling demand. Locally, the ASX is expected to approach record highs on Wednesday. Ryan and Tom also preview REA’s upcoming earnings.

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It has been the best day in two weeks for the Aussie market as it once again neared a record high.  Laura and Stevie reflect on this session that saw all 11 sectors with improvements, the part that US jobs data may have played in investor sentiment and discuss the winners and losers with 9 in every 10 stocks seeing gains.  Telix Pharmaceuticals fell the most today, Austal gained attention and lifted strongly, and they look to the day ahead with a large number of earnings still to be reported on.

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Wall Street notched its best day since May, with the S&P 500 jumping 1.5% as weaker US payrolls boosted hopes for rate cuts. Investors took the soft jobs data as a sign that the Fed may ease policy sooner than expected. Meanwhile, Tesla rallied after news of a $30 billion pay deal for Elon Musk, while Spotify shares climbed on news of premium subscription price hikes. In retail, American Eagle soared over 20%, driven by Sydney Sweeney’s viral campaign and a surprise endorsement from Donald Trump. On the commodities front, oil prices fell as OPEC raised output, easing supply concerns and pressuring energy stocks. Back home, the ASX is set to open higher, with investors awaiting job ads and spending data for local economic cues.

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A quiet start to the week on the Aussie market as a bank holiday in NSW keeps trade light, but gold miners shine as the price of the precious metal surges. With reporting season now underway, Beach Energy stood out after announcing a record dividend, while BlueScope Steel slipped despite outlining plans for a potential green steel play in Whyalla. Meanwhile, ANZ led the big banks lower, and energy stocks struggled as oil prices dropped following fresh OPEC+ output moves. Plus, we look ahead to a week of earnings and data, including results from Credit Corp and updates on household spending and Chinese services activity.

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Wall Street ended the week sharply lower, dragged down by weak economic data and renewed concerns over U.S. growth. July’s jobs report disappointed, with just 73,000 positions added, well below expectations and fueling fears of a slowdown. Markets are now increasingly pricing in a possible Fed rate cut in September. In corporate news, Amazon shares slid after quarterly earnings failed to meet high expectations, while homebuilding stocks gained on falling interest rates. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open the week lower as investors brace for earnings season.

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The long-awaited tariff deadline has landed today, and the market has dropped in response.  This decline has wiped out the gains from prior in the week, and Laura and Stevie unpack what unfolded with the Trump administration revealing multiple tariffs.  Australia’s tariff was low compared to other countries, even New Zealand being given a higher tariff, and Canada has seen a tariff in excess of 30%.  The financial sector has declined today weighing on the market, and utilities was the only sector to see gains.  Resmed has been one of the winners on the market today, while Star Entertainment hit an all-time low, and Laura and Stevie look to the week ahead.

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Wall Street retreated overnight despite upbeat earnings from major tech stocks. Microsoft hit a $4 trillion market cap after beating earnings expectations, while Meta seized the moment to ramp up its aggressive AI spending. Elsewhere, eBay shares jumped on signs of consumer resilience, but Amazon's gloomy earnings forecast weighed on its stock. Adding to the cautious sentiment, US inflation picked up in June, and copper prices tumbled on fresh tariff concerns. Back home, Australian home prices rose for a sixth straight month, but local shares are expected to open August lower after gaining 2% through July.

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The month has ended up overall.  Laura and Stevie reflect on four months of improvements despite the local market dropping slightly today.  US interest rates are back in the conversation and trade deals remain in focus with South Korea the latest to make a deal and the deadline set for tomorrow with many still to announce deals.  Locally, only two of the sectors fell today, and it was largely mining that weighed on the market following data out of China and talk of copper tariffs from President Trump.  Flight Centre saw significant declines today, the tech sector hit record highs, and Laura and Stevie look to the day ahead.

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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Wall Street closed lower as Fed Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations for a September rate cut. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady despite pressure from President Trump, reinforcing a cautious stance amid resilient economic data. In corporate news, Microsoft and Meta both surged in after-hours trading following stronger-than-expected earnings results. In contrast, Freeport-McMoRan shares slid after the announcement of new copper tariffs. Meanwhile, jobs data surprised to the upside, highlighting ongoing strength in the U.S. labor market, and the U.S. dollar extended its rally for a fifth straight day. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open lower ahead of the release of retail spending figures.

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.