CommSec Market Update

U.S. equity markets dipped as the Federal Reserve struck a cautious tone, warning that inflation may worsen—despite still projecting two rate cuts in 2025. Meanwhile, crypto stocks surged following the passage of the Genius Act, and bank shares rallied on signs of regulatory relief. Oil prices rose as the Iran-Israel conflict stretched into a sixth day. Closer to home, the ASX is poised to open lower on Thursday, with investors eyeing the Australian jobs report for clues on the RBA’s next move.

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The market has continued the week in the way that it started with only small movements in either direction across each session.  Laura and Stevie discuss this session, and the recent performance unpacking the role that global tensions are playing in this cautiousness.  Energy stocks remained in focus with oil prices surging once more and uranium stocks also seeing gains, and materials has been a weight on the market with iron ore prices remaining sluggish.  They look to the upcoming market moving events, and Nintendo hit a record high.

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Global equity markets retreated as investors weighed the prospect of U.S. intervention in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Oil prices surged more than 4% on heightened geopolitical fears, while iron ore slumped to its lowest level since September. Meanwhile, weak U.S. retail sales data pointed to a softening economy, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates on hold but place greater emphasis on future economic forecasts. Closer to home, Aussie shares are expected to open lower on Wednesday, as investors continue to assess the potential fallout from rising Middle East risks.

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Tensions in the Middle East have kept markets cautious today with the session remaining mostly flat.  Laura and Stevie discuss what marks five days of cautious sessions and unpack how international markets have performed.  Oil prices have dipped slightly today following the recent high, and gold and uranium stocks are once again gaining attention.  They discuss the biggest movers, Virgin Australia has announced some details about their IPO, and Laura and Stevie look to the night 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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Global markets recovered overnight as investors responded to easing tensions in the Middle East. Defensive stocks retreated as concerns eased, while risk appetite returned across sectors. Tech led the charge, with AMD shares surging on expectations of a sharp rebound for the chipmaker. Meta Platforms also rallied, buoyed by news it will finally introduce ads on WhatsApp. In the consumer space, Estee Lauder and Coty jumped amid takeover speculation. Meanwhile, oil prices fell on signs the Middle East conflict may not impact crude production as initially feared and gold slipped 1%, with investors taking profits after recent gains. Closer to home, Aussie shares are set to open higher on Tuesday, as traders look ahead to the Bank of Japan’s policy decision.

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The market has remained largely flat today with the past four sessions now seeing very little movement.  Laura and Stevie discuss the session, reflect on the recent high, and what could be keeping markets cautious.  Mixed data out of China could have been a possible influence, international tensions have seen oil and energy stocks rally, and gold miners lost some ground.  They talk through the stocks that saw the largest movements including Santos, and look to the week ahead.

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Global stock markets plunged as escalating tensions in the Middle East rattled investor confidence. Concerns over inflation are growing, driven by a sharp rise in energy prices. Oil surged to its highest level in three years on supply fears, while gold gained as investors flocked to traditional safe havens. Elsewhere, defence stocks rallied in response to the geopolitical uncertainty. Closer to home, Aussie shares are expected to open lower following five consecutive weeks of gains.

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The market has declined slightly today but overall, the week has finished with a gain marking five weeks of improvements.  Laura is solo today to reflect on the recent modest improvements and discuss the trade talks and geopolitical tensions which have kept investors cautious.  Oil prices soared today with the energy sector being a beneficiary, Origin Energy gained attention, and most of the sectors saw declines.

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Wall Street showed resilience overnight, recovering from early losses to close higher. Oracle shares soared to a record high after reporting dramatically stronger sales, helping to lift overall market sentiment. Meanwhile, US Treasury yields edged higher following a strong auction and signs of easing inflation. Boeing shares, however, slipped amid renewed scrutiny in the wake of a tragic Air India crash, weighing on the industrials sector. In commodities, oil prices dipped as traders assessed ongoing tensions in the Middle East, while gold jumped on heightened geopolitical risks. Closer to home, the ASX is on track to end the week on a positive note.

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Following the record high of yesterday and the strong performances over the week the market has paused for breath today and lost some steam as the day went on.  Laura and Stevie discuss the slight dip in US markets overnight despite positive trade talks and consumer inflation data that was heading in the right direction, and what could be keeping markets cautious.  Monash was in focus again today after news of a resignation, and Cochlear recovered most of the losses that it saw early in the session.

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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