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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.