CommSec Market Update

Aussie markets held their ground after a rough night on Wall Street, where US indices plunged following Donald Trump’s fiery social media post attacking Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Despite the global jitters, the ASX 200 steadied, thanks in large part to a 3.8% surge in CBA shares. Gold stocks sparkled on safe haven demand, while tech and energy lagged amid interest rate fears and falling oil prices.

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Wall Street fell sharply, with the S&P 500 shedding 2.5% after President Trump criticised the Fed’s pace of interest rate cuts. Tesla also came under pressure ahead of its earnings release, facing heightened scrutiny. In commodities, oil prices dropped more than 2% on mounting global growth concerns, while gold surged to another record high as investors sought safe-haven assets. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are poised to open lower on Tuesday, and the Aussie dollar has strengthened as the US dollar slumped to a three-year low.

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Aussie shares defied expectations and finished the week on a high, with the ASX200 lifting despite sharp overnight losses on Wall Street. The unexpected strength came after weaker-than-expected March jobs data—just over 32,000 jobs added and a rise in the unemployment rate boosted hopes of a rate cut when the RBA meets on May 20. Energy and mining stocks led the gains, helped by a rebound in oil, gold, and iron ore prices, while BHP and Pilbara Minerals faced pressure from underwhelming quarterly results. With markets now closed for the Easter long weekend, all eyes turn to global earnings, including Netflix, and ongoing trade tensions that could stir things up before trading resumes Tuesday.

 

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Wall Street returned to volatility overnight as investors weighed the impact of Jerome Powell’s latest comments on interest rates. Tech stocks led the decline, with Nvidia tumbling 8% following a massive write-down, dragging the broader sector lower. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index shed more than 5% in response. In contrast, retail sales surged ahead of an expected tariff increase, offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise turbulent session. Meanwhile, the US dollar slumped, boosting commodities — oil climbed 2%, while gold surged to record highs. Closer to home, ASX 200 futures point to a weaker open on Thursday, with local investors eyeing upcoming employment data. The Aussie dollar gained ground on US dollar weakness, adding to the global currency market shifts.

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The Aussie share market started strong but lost steam by the close, ending slightly lower and breaking its winning streak—despite upbeat economic data from China. Energy, mining, and healthcare stocks dragged the market down, while major banks and gold stocks lifted. On the flip side, Mineral Resources tumbled after two board resignations, and Rio Tinto dropped on weak quarterly results. Investors are eyeing key U.S. economic data and an interest rate decision from Canada tonight, while tomorrow’s Australian jobs report will be crucial in shaping expectations for a potential RBA rate cut in May.

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Markets experienced mixed fortunes overnight, as investors weighed the latest developments on tariffs. Sentiment was shaped by reports that the White House may suspend tariffs on auto parts—a move that helped lift European car makers. Meanwhile, bank stocks continued their upward momentum on the back of improved earnings. Johnson & Johnson posted better-than-expected results, though its shares slipped amid lingering tariff concerns. In currency and commodity markets, the US dollar has rebounded, while prices remain volatile—oil held steady, and gold edged back toward record highs. Closer to home, futures point to a flat open for the ASX 200, and the Aussie dollar has eased slightly.

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The session has been relatively subdued today and remained mostly flat.  Laura and Stevie discuss the session which saw some slight gains around midday and a mixed performance across the sectors with materials and financials helping to keep the market in the green.  They discuss the dividend payments occurring today including Hub24, the mixed performance of gold miners, and the names that made headlines including Collins Food.

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Both US and European stocks posted gains, buoyed by the news of potential tariff exemptions. Bank stocks advanced on the back of better-than-expected earnings reports, while carmakers also benefited from the easing trade tensions. In commodities, prices were mixed. A softer US dollar supported firmer copper prices, while gold pulled back from record highs and oil prices edged lower. Closer to home, futures are pointing to modest gains for the ASX 200, and the Aussie dollar has firmed overnight.

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The market has seen a solid improvement today following a week which saw some sizable swings.  Stevie is back on board and joins Laura to reflect on this recent performance and to further unpack the latest in the tariff saga.  The majority of the sectors have seen gains and so they run through the big winners including Viva Energy and DroneShield, discuss the performance of gold stocks, and look at what to expect across this short week with US earnings data likely to gain attention.

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Despite ongoing volatility, U.S. markets closed the week with notable gains, with the NASDAQ posting its best weekly performance since November 2022. Bank stocks moved higher as earnings season kicked off, buoyed by better-than-expected results from JP Morgan, which helped lift investor confidence. After the closing bell, the Trump administration announced a major trade concession, exempting smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics from reciprocal tariffs. In commodities, gold surged to fresh record highs, while oil prices rebounded on Friday but still ended lower for the week. Looking ahead, futures suggest a strong start for the ASX 200 when trading resumes on Monday.

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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