CommSec Market Update

The ASX wrapped up a strong February with a 1.3% weekly gain, its best monthly performance in nearly a year. Mining and financials led the charge while consumer staples lagged after Coles underwhelmed compared to Woolworths. Block surged despite announcing 40% workforce cuts, while Harvey Norman rose despite Jerry Harvey's disappointment. Investors now watch ex-dividend stocks and key US data ahead. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. 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 ASX is set to open flat as overseas markets slump. Despite strong results from Nvidia, Wall Street investors remained unconvinced, with fresh concerns emerging around the AI trade. Locally, attention now turns to Coles’ earnings and whether it can match Woolworths’ strong showing from earlier in the week. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. 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 ASX200 hit a fresh record above 9,200 points, driven by strong gains in tech and healthcare sectors. Energy lagged, down 1.5%. Earnings season saw Qantas and Super Retail Group report mixed results. The market remains resilient despite inflation concerns and upcoming rate decisions. Tomorrow marks the final day of reporting season with key stocks like Coles and The Star Entertainment Group releasing results. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. 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 is poised for a positive open after climbing to a fresh record high. Wall Street also extended its gains overnight, while investors now turn their attention to what the latest inflation reading could mean for interest rates. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. 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 ASX 200 climbed to a fresh record today, shrugging off stronger-than-expected inflation data. Markets followed positive leads from Wall Street despite volatility around Trump's State of the Union address. Key sectors included technology, consumer staples, and materials which hit its own record high. Investors await Coles' results and NVIDIA's overnight earnings, with RBA rate decisions still on the horizon. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. 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 ASX is set to open strongly as investors brace for a fresh round of earnings reports. On Wall Street, stocks rebounded as technology shares recovered, with markets looking ahead to Nvidia’s results. In commodities, gold slipped from three-week highs as a firmer US dollar weighed on prices. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. 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.

Aussie stocks stalled today, drifting lower for a third session as global uncertainty took hold. Despite an early climb, the index succumbed to a late fade, echoing a weak Wall Street lead where the S&P 500 slumped on AI disruption fears and the official start of President Trump’s trade tariffs. A 10% levy on all global imports took effect this afternoon. Energy and Materials sectors provided the only sparks, with the latter hitting a record high as BHP cracked a fresh peak. Lithium miners Liontown and Pilbara Minerals also surged following a price rebound. In reporting news, Viva Energy and Woodside jumped after beating expectations, but Adore Beauty plummeted 28% as deep discounting savaged margins. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. 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.

ASX futures are pointing to a positive start, despite a sharp sell-off on Wall Street overnight as investors grappled with fresh uncertainty around tariffs. In commodities, gold spiked on safe-haven demand while broader prices eased, setting up a mixed backdrop for the local session. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. 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 ASX200 fell 0.6% as tech stocks underperformed, dragged down by US futures. Inflation data and Trump's tariff uncertainty dominated, with gold miners like Ramelius Resources leading gains. Profit season begins with mixed results, including Fisher & Paykel's guidance lift. Key events include Wednesday's inflation data and Friday's ex-dividend announcements. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. 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.

All eyes will be on the Australian market’s reaction, after further fallout over the weekend from a key US Supreme Court decision that struck down President Trump’s tariffs. The legal ruling was welcomed by investors on Wall Street and European markets, but the ride isn’t over yet. Locally, earnings season is continued to ramp up.James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. 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 caught its breath on Friday, finishing almost completely flat after a massive week that saw the ASX 200 finally scale new record heights. While the index took a minor five-point dip today, it still locked in a nearly 2% gain for the week—its best performance since May. Reporting season remained the primary driver of volatility. QBE Insurance surged after a profit jump, while shipbuilder Austal climbed on a new $4 billion ADF contract. However, the retail space was bruised; Guzman y Gomez slumped to a record low despite rising profits. Ingham's also plummeted 13% following a profit warning and dividend cut. With Nvidia and Aussie inflation data on the horizon, the focus now shifts to whether the market can sustain its record-breaking momentum next week. 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 pulled back overnight, led lower by a slide in Nvidia and sharp losses across private equity stocks. Meanwhile, Walmart flagged worrying economic signals in a cautious outlook and European markets also retreated from record highs after a mixed batch of earnings. In commodities, oil climbed to a six-month high on concerns over a potential US–Iran conflict, while gold eased as investors awaited US inflation data. Back home, Aussie shares are poised to snap a four-day winning streak. 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.

CommSec hosts Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati report the ASX 200 hit a fresh record high, extending its winning streak to four days. Earnings season drove gains, with banks and resources leading. Jobs data showed 17,800 new jobs, supporting rate hike bets. Upcoming: inflation data and more results. 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 finished higher, with tech stocks recouping recent losses and broader markets holding gains following the latest Federal Reserve minutes. Elsewhere, Nvidia climbed as Meta deepened ties with the chipmaker. In Europe, stocks closed at fresh record highs, extending the global risk-on tone. In commodities, oil prices jumped 4% amid escalating tensions between Iran and the US, while gold prices rebounded as investors weighed the mounting geopolitical risks. Back home, Aussie shares are set to rise for a fourth straight session on Thursday, with attention turning to 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 extended its winning streak for a third session, with the ASX 200 briefly scaling the 9,000-point peak for the first time in a week. The Financials and Property sectors led the charge, while Materials lagged due to a retreat in gold prices and profit-taking in BHP. NAB was a standout, surging to a record high on the back of a strong quarterly profit lift. Both Superloop and Netwealth soared, and health insurers Medibank and NIB also climbed after the government approved the largest premium hikes since 2017. However, Santos announced job cuts amid a profit slump, and Suncorp faced pressure from rising disaster claims. All eyes now pivot to tomorrow’s "Super Thursday," featuring heavyweights like Rio Tinto, Telstra, and the critical Aussie jobs report. 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.

Volatility gripped Wall Street as tech stocks wavered amid renewed concerns about AI, although gains in financials helped steady the broader market. In company news, Warner Bros. reopened talks after Paramount signalled a higher bid, while in Europe, the FTSE 100 edged higher as softer jobs data bolstered rate-cut expectations. In commodities, oil prices slipped on signs of progress in US-Iran talks, while gold also fell as the US dollar strengthened. Back home, Aussie shares are poised to extend gains for a third straight session, with focus turning to upcoming wages 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 pushed higher for a second day, though gains were modest as investors navigated a quiet global lead with US and Chinese markets closed. The Materials sector did the heavy lifting, propelled by BHP which surged to a fresh all-time high. The company's half-year results stunned the market, as copper earnings surpassed iron ore for the first time, driven by a global push for electrification and AI infrastructure. Reporting season drama provided the day's biggest swings elsewhere. Baby Bunting soared after a 25% sales jump, while A2 Milk and JB Hi-Fi extended yesterday's post-earnings rallies. However, it wasn't all one-way traffic; Reliance Worldwide tumbled as US tariffs and weak housing demand dented profits, and Seek fell despite an adjusted profit beat as investors fretted over a massive write-down of its Chinese investment, Zhaopin. 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.

Global stocks and bonds were little changed in holiday-thinned US trading, while European shares edged higher, supported by gains in financials ahead of key earnings results. In commodities, oil prices rose ahead of US-Iran nuclear talks, while gold slipped in thin trade as the US dollar strengthened. Back home, the ASX is expected to open higher on Tuesday, with investors focused on earnings from BHP, Challenger and Seek. 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.

Aussie shares edged up about 0.25% as earnings season ramps with almost 100 results due. Tech led gains after steep falls while materials and miners slipped amid Rio Tinto’s Guinea shutdown and iron ore near US$97 a tonne. Highlights: A2 Milk Company beat forecasts, Treasury Wine Estates swung to a $649m loss, Qube Holdings takeover agreed and JB Hi-Fi posted record sales. BHP results and Thursday jobs data are next. 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 closed the week slightly higher, with the S&P 500 edging up as cooler US inflation offset weakness in tech. Treasury yields fell after the CPI reading kept hopes for Fed rate cuts alive, while Coinbase rebounded as Bitcoin surged to US$69,000. Elsewhere,  European shares edged lower amid renewed concerns around AI valuations. In commodities, oil settled higher on optimism around the US inflation outlook, gold jumped more than 2% on rate-cut hopes, while iron ore slipped ahead of a holiday in China. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open higher ahead of a bumper week of earnings. 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.