CommSec Market Update

Wall Street consolidated after yesterday's surge, as investors digested comments from Fed Governor Waller, who suggested that rate cuts might be possible in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales advanced, capping off a solid holiday season, while the U.S. dollar slipped ahead of the Trump inauguration. In the commodities market, oil retreated from a five-month high amid expectations of a halt to Houthi shipping attacks. Copper climbed to a five-week peak on China stimulus hopes, and iron ore hit a four-week high due to lower shipments. Gold also surged to a one-month high, driven by weaker bond yields. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are expected to inch higher, with Chinese economic growth data coming into focus.

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US inflation data fuelled optimism across markets, with softer-than-expected core inflation restoring hopes for rate cuts in the US this year. The ASX 200 surged 1.3%, marking its best day of the year, buoyed by US market gains and a strong local jobs report, albeit mostly part-time. Financials and tech stocks rebounded sharply after recent losses, while commodity prices rose on a weaker US dollar. Iron ore miners saw mixed performance, with Rio Tinto noting higher production costs but strong copper output. Buy-now-pay-later firm Zip also made gains amid lower US borrowing costs and positive broker sentiment. Looking ahead, key data from the US, China, and major corporate earnings could shape market movements into the week’s close.

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U.S stocks surged as investors celebrated easing inflation figures, marking the first decline in American core inflation in six months. Broad gains were seen across U.S. markets, buoyed by strong earnings reports from the banking sector. Leading technology stocks also rallied, driven by a fall in long-term interest rates. In the commodities market, oil prices jumped as U.S. crude inventories fell to their lowest levels since 2022, while gold extended its gains following inflation figures that came in below expectations. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are set to open higher, bolstered by positive sentiment from cooler U.S. inflation. The Aussie dollar strengthened in response, as investors anticipate key jobs data that will help shape the outlook for interest rates.

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It has been a somewhat volatile session today with the market starting strong but dropping as the day went on.  Laura and Stevie unpack this performance as investors brace for a busy 24 hours ahead with a multitude of US banks set to report on their results, and inflation data also being released which could impact interest rate decisions.  They discuss the performance of each of the sectors with many seeing declines and look at the stocks that saw the largest moves with Pilbara Minerals and Telstra gaining attention.

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Wall Street saw an advance as U.S wholesale inflation eased unexpectedly, driven by a drop in food prices. Utilities led the markets higher, boosted by increased energy demand fuelled by AI innovations. Bank stocks lifted ahead of upcoming earnings reports, while shares of Eli Lilly, a weight loss drug company, declined due to cuts in revenue guidance. U.S Treasury yields dipped following tame producer prices. Meanwhile, iron ore extended its gains on reduced shipments, and oil prices slipped as sanctions on Russia remained a key focus. Closer to home, Aussie shares are expected to open slightly higher on Wednesday, supported by rising metals prices, though the Aussie dollar remains under pressure despite positive data from China.

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 market has ended in positive territory today following several sessions of losses.  Laura and Stevie discuss this performance fuelled by a myriad of factors in the US, and the upcoming data that could shift their market in the days ahead.  Back home City Chic was one of the best performers following an announcement around sales figures, most of the sectors saw growth today, and Star Entertainment continued to see gains following the recent substantial declines.

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Wall Street faces mounting pressure amid rising interest rates, with the US 10-year Treasury yield hitting a 14-month high, causing stocks to tumble. Moderna shares plunged 20% after the company lowered its 2025 sales forecast, while Eli Lilly also saw a decline following its announcement to acquire Scorpion Therapeutics' experimental cancer therapy. Retailers' post-holiday results left Wall Street unimpressed, and higher interest rates have driven investors away from gold, causing the yellow metal to drop more than 1%. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged to a four-month high as traders anticipate expanded sanctions and iron ore prices have risen on renewed hopes of Chinese stimulus. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are expected to rise in anticipation of upcoming consumer confidence surveys.

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 Aussie market has seen its biggest decline today in around 3 weeks wiping out all the gains of last week.  Laura and Stevie unpack this performance which was largely fuelled by the US sharemarket which performed poorly on Friday following jobs and unemployment data that could result in a US rate cut being pushed out.  Locally energy stocks have been the winners today, but the financial sector has continued to drag on the market.  Myer gained attention today as did NRW Holdings, and Stevie and Laura look at what could be to expect as the week continues.

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Wall Street slumped following the latest job data, as US employment rose more than expected in December. This unexpected growth has narrowed expectations for interest rate changes, suggesting they may remain on hold for the foreseeable future. US interest rates, meanwhile, reached their highest level since November 2023. In the stock market, tech stocks led the retreat, while energy stocks were largely spared due to rising oil prices. Looking ahead, futures indicate solid selling for the ASX 200 on Monday, which faces additional challenges from underperformance in the Chinese market.

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 session started optimistically but has fallen into negative territory today.  Laura and Stevie unpack this performance, with materials the only sector seeing improvements.  The big 4 banks have played their part in dragging on the market and so they discuss this, but also acknowledge that the market is on track to see improvements overall across the week.  Interest rate movements are back in the conversation as are Star Entertainment and Mesoblast.

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.