Market Updates

Stocks slipped on Monday after tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated over the weekend. The S&P 500 shed 0.24% to close at 7,109.14, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.26% to finish at 24,404.39, with the latter snapping its 13-day winning streak — its longest positive streak since 1992. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 4.87 points, or 0.01%, settling at 49,442.56. On the flip si...

The ASX 200 fought back from early losses to close up just 6 points to 8953. US futures were negative all day, some defensive buying and CBA helping keep the market flat. CBA rose % with the Big Bank Basket rising to $299.12 (0.2%) as NAB fell 3.6% as it ramped up provisions for a weakening local economy. Other financials drifted lower, REITs were firm, GMG up 1.5% and VCX rising 0.8%. Retailers w...

 The S&P 500 jumped 1.2% to close at 7,126.06, crossing the 7,100 threshold for the first time. The Nasdaq Composite gained 1.52% and settled at 24,468.48 for its 13th consecutive winning day and its longest positive streak since 1992. Both indexes posted fresh intraday and closing records. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 868.71 points, or 1.79%, to end at 49,447.43. The Russell 2000 a...

The ASX 200 limped lower by 8 points to 8937 (0.1%) for a flat week. Banks continued to be weaker, NAB falling another 2.0% and WBC off 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket fell to $298.43 (-0.3%). Financials mixed, HUB rose 2.8% and PNI rose 3.8%. ZIP had a great day up 13.7%. REITs slipped slightly with CHC down 0.6% and GMG falling 0.5%. Healthcare under pressure still, RMD down 1.6% and CSL off 0.3% with...

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to fresh all-time highs on Thursday, adding to their strong gains this week on optimism for a possible resolution to the Iran war. The broad market index gained 0.26% to close at 7,041.28, while the Nasdaq gained 0.36% to settle at 24,102.70. The tech-heavy index posted its 12th consecutive positive session, notching its longest winning run since 2009. Bot...

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The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to new all-time highs on Wednesday, building on the week’s strong gains as investors remained hopeful about the Iran war potentially ending soon. The broad market index gained 0.80%, ending at 7,022.95. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.59% to 24,016.02, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 72.27 points, or 0.15%, to close at 48,463.72. Both the Nasda...

The ASX 200 closed up a mere 8 points to 8979 (0.1%) after an enthusiastic start petered out. Banks went all soggy on some broker doubts, WBC dropped another % and the Big Bank Basket fell to $306.62 (%). Other financials fared ok, MQG continued higher, up 1.4% and insurers better too, IAG up 1.5%. REITs were solid with GMG up 1.3% and GPT up 0.7%. Industrials a mixed bag, WES fell yet again, down...

US stocks rose on Tuesday following a strong session in which traders shrugged off a breakdown in peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, yet were optimistic that a deal between the two countries was still possible. The S&P 500 gained 1.18% and closed at 6,967.38. The broad market index now stands less than 1% below its 52-week high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 317.74 points, or 0.66...

The ASX 200 jumped 45 points to finish at 8971 (0.5%). Despite banks under pressure, the index made good solid gains. The Big Bank Basket fell to $308.15 (0.5%) with WBC down 2.6% on an outlook statement for HY results. ANZ fell 1.0% with other financials doing better, MQG up 3.7% on a broker upgrade, NWL rising 2.7% and XYZ up 5.5%. Insurers were better with QBE gaining %. REITs saw buyers emerge...

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The ASX 200 finished down 35 points to 8926 in a quiet, cautious start to the week. The focus was on weekend events with the market taking its lead from US futures which stabilised after a bump down. Losses pretty much across the board, banks eased back with the Big Bank Basket down to $309.58 (0.24%). Other financials also sold down, MQG down 0.6% and NWL falling 2.1%. Insurers steady with REITs...

US equities finished mostly lower in Friday trading. S&P snapped a seven-day string of gains. Software was a notable decliner again (IGV was down more than 7% this week); other laggards included insurers, banks (particularly regionals), PE, exchanges, payments, retail/apparel, pharma/biotech, hospitals, and staples. Semis were a standout with NVDA , AVGO and AMD leading the way. AMZN extended...

The ASX 200 finished a very strong week down 13 points to 8961 as we await further Iranian negotiations. For the week, we were up over 4.4%, the best week since October 2022. Banks were steady despite some issues with mortgages on the AFR front page, the Big Bank Basket $310.35 (+0.3%). Other financials were mixed, ZIP up 2.1% and GQG up 0.9%. NWL rose 2.3% with ASX also better. REITs better, GMG...

Stocks extended their rally Thursday, even as oil prices gained, amid continued optimism among traders that the fragile two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could be sustained. The S&P 500 added 0.62% and ended at 6,824.66, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.83% to 22,822.42. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 275.88 points, or 0.58%, and settled at 48,185.80. The 30-stock index t...

Stocks soared Wednesday after President Donald Trump suspended attacks on Iran for two weeks, pausing a five-week conflict that closed a crucial waterway for global energy supplies.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average ripped 1,325.46 points higher, or 2.85%, to 47,909.92. That was the benchmark’s best day since April 2025, when Trump first backed down from the severity of his initial tariff announce...

The ASX 200 jumped out of the blocks again on the ceasefire. The ASX 200 jumped 223 points to 8952 (2.6%). Interestingly, not much intraday volatility. Everything was risk on as peace breaks out. Long term or short term is yet to be seen. Oil prices fell hard, and equities rallied across the board. Banks rallied again with CBA up 1.9% and the Big Bank Basket jumped to $305.03 (2.4%). MQG had a gre...

U.S. stock futures jumped after President Donald Trump said he was suspending Iran attacks for two weeks just ahead of his 8 p.m. ET deadline, pausing a five-week conflict that has closed a crucial waterway for global energy supply and sent equity prices reeling. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 718 points, or 1.5%. S&P 500 futures added 1.6%, and Nasdaq 100 futures cli...

The ASX 200 jumped out of the blocks, but was well off highs of 8804, closing up 149 points at 8729 (1.7%). A serious bout of optimism as the Trump deadline approaches. Banks firmed with the Big Bank Basket up to $297.88 (2.3%). CBA up 2.4% and MQG charging 3.2% ahead. Other financials were mixed, HUB up 3.3% and ZIP gaining 6.0%. REITs mixed too, GMG up 0.7% with industrials firming, WES up 1.3%...

Markets are at something of a standstill again. We know why. We have another potential deal/timeline on the table from President Trump. The deadline is 8pm Tuesday night, US time. That would be Wednesday morning for us here in Australia. If Tehran doesn't accept a deal, the US could “rain hell” on the country. Iran rejected a ceasefire and proposed 10 clauses they want to see . Trump rejected...

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The S&P 500 advanced 0.72% and closed at 6,575.32, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.16% and settled at 21,840.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 224.23 points, or 0.48%, to end at 46,565.74. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social Wednesday morning that Iran’s president has asked the U.S. for a ceasefire. However, the U.S. will consider the offer when the Strait of Hormu...

The ASX 200 jumped 190 points to 8672 (2.2%) on US/Iranian news and a spectacularly strong US bounce. End of month and short covering helping lead us in. Confidence built throughout the day. Resources roared back to life as the USD fell slightly, and oil prices steadied. BHP up 4.3% and RIO up 3.5% with FMG joining in up 3.8%. Lithium stocks raced ahead, PLS up 3.5% and MIN rising 5.2% with the go...

US stocks rose on Tuesday following new reports that gave investors hope that the Iran war could soon come to an end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,125.37 points, or 2.49%, and closed at 46,341.51. The move came after an unconfirmed report said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is open to ending the war with guarantees. The S&P 500 gained 2.91% to end at 6,528.52, and the Nasdaq...