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Wall Street remains cautious as investors weigh the impact of Trump's tariff plans. Technology stocks continue to face pressure, with chip makers leading the declines. Quantum computing stocks fell sharply after Nvidia’s CEO suggested that the technology is still decades away from mainstream use. Meanwhile, banks are under pressure as interest rates steadily rise. In company news, Edison International is the worst performer on the S&P 500, sliding amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Conversely, eBay shares rose following news of a partnership with Facebook Marketplace. Across the Atlantic, the British pound slumps due to concerns over capital flight. Closer to home, Aussie shares are expected to retreat from four-week highs, while oil prices dip on the back of a build in U.S. fuel stocks. 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, fina

The ASX 200 has extended its 2025 winning streak to five days, driven by a positive market reaction to November's inflation data. While headline inflation rose slightly due to electricity and fuel costs, core inflation dropped to 3.2%, below expectations, increasing the likelihood of an interest rate cut by the RBA in February. Materials and financials sectors led gains, with miners benefiting despite falling iron ore prices, while tech stocks fell following weaker U.S. market performance. Gold miners surged on strong quarterly updates, but uranium and some individual stocks faced significant declines. Looking ahead, key data releases, including retail sales, jobs, and U.S. Federal Reserve minutes, could shape market movements and rate expectations.   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 appropri

The US services index climbed, with the price gauge reaching its highest level since 2023, signalling persistent inflation concerns. Traders have adjusted their expectations, no longer fully pricing in a US rate cut before July. Meanwhile, US job openings surged to a six-month high, reflecting a resilient labour market. Additionally, the technology sector lagged, with Nvidia dipping after reaching a record high, while Moderna's stock saw a significant rise due to new vaccine plans. Commodity markets also showed mixed signals; oil prices increased amid Western sanctions, but iron ore fell to a seven-week low, potentially impacting the Aussie market today. Despite these challenges, Aussie shares are on track for a fifth consecutive day of gains. Furthermore, the US dollar advanced to a six-month high, emphasising the strength of the US economy. 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 no

The market has lifted again slightly today continuing the 4-day winning streak.  Laura and Stevie unpack this ‘streak’ and look at the performance of the US market overnight with tech stocks seeing significant shifts.  The Aussie dollar has improved today and so they look into the international happenings that have fuelled this, NVIDIA is back in the headlines, and they unpack the local sector performance with tech seeing gains and materials continuing to trend downwards. 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.

Technology stocks are at the forefront of driving investor interest and contributing to recent market gains. All eyes are on Nvidia’s CEO, whose upcoming speech is anticipated to ignite the next significant breakout. Meanwhile, the US dollar pares losses following Trump's denial of reports about curbing tariffs. In Canada, stocks see a slight uptick after Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau's resignation. Oil prices have dipped from their 12-week highs, reflecting a cooling in recent gains. Looking ahead, Australian shares are poised for a higher open, bolstered by a rally in copper prices and the critical building approvals data set to capture market 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

Laura and Stevie are back following the Christmas break with the market seeing slight declines following some minor falls around lunchtime and a flat finish.  They reflect on the market performance of the year gone by with 24 record highs locally, and they run through the standout movers throughout that period.  Materials stocks led the conversation today with the sector seeing declines, and gold and uranium were in focus.  They look to what could be ahead for the market this week, and the broader things to watch for 2025. 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 new year has had a shaky start, but technology stocks have helped lift Wall Street during holiday trading. US bond yields have climbed in anticipation of upcoming labor market data, while mega-cap stocks have been key drivers in pushing the US share market higher. Meanwhile, a surging US dollar has put pressure on commodity prices. Oil prices have risen, supported by cold weather and favorable Chinese policies. Looking ahead, ASX 200 futures suggest a solid gain, led by Australian tech shares, although concerns about rising inflation persist due to a weak Aussie dollar. 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.

In the last podcast of 2024, Steve and Laura reflect on a challenging December for the Aussie market, which has seen a 4.5% decline, making it the worst month of the year. The Federal Reserve's slower-than-expected pace of rate cuts rattled global markets, with Financials, consumer discretionary, and materials sectors among the hardest hit locally. Highlights included Life360's 200% surge this year, gold stocks benefiting from record prices, and lithium miners and Star Entertainment ranking among the biggest losers.   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 is making a cautious recovery after experiencing one of the year’s steepest declines. The Dow Jones Index broke a 10-day losing streak, its longest since 1974, while the 10-year US Treasury yield climbed to its highest level since May, reflecting ongoing strength in the US economy. In corporate news, Micron Technology faced its worst trading day since 2020 following disappointing guidance, while Darden Restaurants enjoyed its best performance since November 2020. Meanwhile, in Europe, the Bank of England held rates steady as policymakers debated whether to implement cuts. Oil prices declined, weighed down by a pessimistic economic outlook. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are predicted to slide as the traditional "Santa rally" shows signs of fading. Adding to the pressures, the Aussie dollar hit a two-year low. 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 accoun

The Aussie share market faced a tough day, with the ASX 200 facing it's steepest decline in three and a half months—dragged down by a 2.5% fall in the US Dow Jones. Investor concerns stemmed from the US Federal Reserve’s revised interest rate outlook, signalling fewer rate cuts in 2025 than anticipated. All 11 ASX sectors ended in the red, with tech, financials, and materials hit hardest, while only 10% of stocks managed gains. Bright spots included Mesoblast, up 54% after FDA approval for its cell therapy, and Patriot Battery Metals, surging 16% following a major deal with Volkswagen. Meanwhile, uranium miner Deep Yellow plunged 12% on project delays, and ANZ faced shareholder backlash over governance issues at its AGM. With one trading day left this week, December’s losses have nearly erased November’s strong gains, leaving hopes pinned on a late Santa Claus rally.   The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited

The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points but surprised investors by signaling a reduced forecast for future cuts. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones is on track for a 10-day losing streak, potentially marking its worst performance since 1974. In corporate news, Birkenstock shares are climbing amid a surge in demand for sandals, while speculation of a Honda-Nissan merger has sent ripples through the European car market. On the currency front, the US dollar has hit its highest level since November 2022, putting additional pressure on the Australian dollar, which continues to slump. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are expected to open lower on Thursday, weighed down by declining iron ore prices. 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 necess

The Aussie market closed flat today despite an optimistic start, as lunchtime weakness erased earlier gains. Investors are now eyeing the U.S. Federal Reserve's final interest rate decision for the year, expected to deliver a 25 basis point cut, marking three consecutive cuts since September. Market attention will shift to the Fed’s economic outlook and potential rate movements in 2024. Locally, sectors showed mixed performance, with healthcare and industrials faring best, while financials and materials slipped. Meanwhile, company news included NAB’s AGM and updates from Xero and ANZ, while dividend payouts from Westpac and others are on the horizon. 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.

Wall Street has extended its losses as investors remain cautious ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve decision, following strong retail sales data. The Dow Jones Index is on a nine-day losing streak, its longest since 1978. Energy shares weighed on the S&P 500 as oil prices declined, with Amentum emerging as the index's worst performer after forecasting a hit to its FY25 growth. Oil-related stocks dragged markets to two-week lows in Europe as banking shares struggled. Commodities were also under pressure, with copper prices falling to a two-week low amid surplus concerns, while oil prices slid further on weak economic data from China and Germany. Looking ahead, Aussie markets are expected to open flat as investors await the Federal mid-year economic and fiscal outlook. 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. Con

Bitcoin soared to another record, while the Aussie stock market rebounded, snapping a tough five-day losing streak with the ASX rising 0.8%. Financial stocks led the gains, rising 1.1%, while energy underperformed as the sector remains the year’s weakest. Notably, tech platform PEXA surged following the appointment of a new CEO, while Data#3 plunged 10% due to changes in Microsoft incentives. Bitcoin’s sharp rise—up 55% since November—has also caught attention. Looking ahead, retail spending data out of the U.S. is expected to drive global market discussions, while NAB’s AGM and dividend payouts will headline the local agenda tomorrow   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 professiona

Wall Street has posted mixed results, yet chipmakers continued to surge. The NASDAQ reached a record high, driven by gains in Broadcom and Alphabet, while Nvidia entered correction territory after a significant rally. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has hit a record high, partly attributed to former President Trump's strategic reserve initiative. Bond yields remained flat ahead of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. In Europe, German shares declined following Chancellor Scholz's loss in a confidence vote. Looking ahead, Australia is poised for a flat start to trading, as the ASX extended its losing streak to five consecutive days. 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

The Australian market continued its downward streak, with the ASX hitting a four-week low amidst weak Chinese retail data and falling commodity prices. China's slower-than-expected retail growth raised concerns over consumption and the country's ability to meet its 5% annual growth target, which impacted resource stocks like BHP and Rio Tinto. Mining and energy sectors remain some of the year's worst performers, down 15% and 20%, respectively. Meanwhile, corporate news saw mixed reactions, with HMC Capital suffering steep losses after backing DigiCo’s underwhelming ASX debut, while Star Entertainment rose following a management shake-up. Looking ahead, key events include global manufacturing data, U.S. retail sales, and the Federal Reserve's inflation update, alongside local updates on consumer confidence and AGMs from major banks like NAB and ANZ.     The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 23881

Wall Street consolidates as investors await the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision. On Friday, the Dow Jones marked its seventh consecutive day of losses, its longest losing streak since 2020. Meanwhile, AI-related stocks surged on optimistic forecasts, with Broadcom reaching a historic milestone by hitting a $1 trillion market cap for the first time. Tesla shares also gained momentum as the regulatory outlook for automated driving systems improved. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are poised to decline for a fifth straight day. 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 faced a downturn this week, dropping for four consecutive sessions and reaching a one-month low, despite hitting record highs just last week. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s dovish tone signalled potential rate cuts in early 2025, while unexpected jobs data added complexity to rate predictions. Chinese stimulus hopes buoyed materials stocks early in the week, but declines in most sectors, led by tech and gold miners, overshadowed gains. Key market movers included Insignia Financial, buoyed by a Bain Capital buyout offer, and Ventia Services, which faced sharp losses. Looking ahead, investors will focus on AGMs, economic data from China, and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s pivotal interest rate decision   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 informat

US producer prices have seen a notable jump, driven by higher egg costs, though categories closely monitored by the Federal Reserve showed softer increases. Weekly jobless claims in the US rose unexpectedly, signaling potential shifts in the labor market. In corporate news, Adobe shares dropped as slower subscription spending weighed on investor sentiment. Meanwhile, in Europe, a trifecta of central banks cut interest rates in response to evolving economic conditions. Over in China, the government pledged further debt and rate cuts as looming tariffs from the Trump era raise concerns. Gold prices slid from a five-week high, while the US dollar strengthened on the back of fresh inflation data. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are expected to edge lower, pressured by declining commodity prices. 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 situatio

The market has taken a tumble today coinciding with an update on Aussie jobs growth with results which caught the market off guard and dropped expectations of a February rate cut.  Steve is solo today unpacking this data, and the upcoming data that could make all the difference around this decision.  There is a plethora of international happening including rate cuts internationally which Steve discusses, and he looks at the performance of local sectors with tech seeing some gains.  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.