CommSec Market Update

The Aussie market capped a volatile week with a modest gain, as record-breaking gold prices and a tech surge offset weakness in the banking sector. Gold miners remained the standout story, with Evolution, Westgold, and Genesis hitting all-time highs as the precious metal tracked toward its strongest weekly gain since 2020. However, the day’s top performer was Life360, which skyrocketed 27% after hiking profit targets following record user growth. Guzman y Gomez also climbed 4% on an exclusive delivery deal with Uber. Looking ahead, a holiday-shortened week looms with the market closed Monday, followed by a high-stakes local inflation update and earnings from US giants Apple and Microsoft.
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Wall Street pushed toward record highs after tariff tensions eased and fresh data reinforced the resilience of the US economy. Meanwhile, US Treasury yields edged lower as solid employment and spending figures bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve can stay on hold. Elsewhere, European shares rebounded after Donald Trump walked back tariff threats linked to Greenland. In commodities, oil slid 2% as Trump softened his stance on Greenland and Iran, while gold extended its record-setting rally, topping US$4,900 an ounce. Back home, Australian shares are expected to open flat ahead of the Australia Day long weekend.
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 nudged up about 0.8 per cent after a choppy session, driven by US markets rallying on President Trump’s withdrawal of European tariff threats and a surprise boost in Australian employment. 65,200 jobs were added in December, lifting the market’s view of a February rate rise to roughly 60 per cent. Materials and tech led the losers, while energy, financials and miners showed gains. Looking ahead, the RBA’s Feb 3 meeting, US PCE inflation data and the Bank of Japan’s rate decision are set to shape market direction.
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.

Wall Street staged a cautious recovery after Donald Trump ruled out using force to acquire Greenland. In corporate news, Intel's shares jumped to their highest level since early 2022, while Netflix's shares fell on a tepid outlook. Meanwhile, US bond yields dipped after a recovery in Japanese government bonds. In commodities, oil prices edged higher as investors assessed a force majeure at a major Kazakh oilfield, while gold broke above US$4,800 an ounce. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to snap a three-day losing streak 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.

The Aussie market slipped for a third day as escalating US-Europe trade tensions sparked global jitters. While a heavy Wall Street sell-off pressured Financials and Tech, the ASX 200 showed resilience as Materials and Energy sectors rallied. Gold and silver hit fresh record peaks, fueling surges in Northern Star, Evolution, and Westgold, while Paladin Energy jumped 13% on a strong quarterly update. However the banks dragged the index lower, led by a 2.2% fall in CBA. A major highlight was Australian Strategic Materials, which skyrocketed 118% following a US takeover bid. Looking ahead, local jobs data, a wave of quarterly reports from Fortescue and Santos, and Trump’s appearance at Davos all shape the next 24 hours.
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.