Morning Wrap: US Stocks Rise Following US-UK Trade Agreement

by admin

Morning Market Wrap – Friday, May 9, 2025

ASX 200 futures indicate a minimal increase of 3 points (0.03%) as of 8:30 am AEDT.

Key Highlights

  • U.S. equities concluded with gains, while both the VIX index and gold prices have fallen.
  • Former President Trump has unveiled a new trade deal with the UK.
  • Today’s wrap is a concise version as Kerry is absent.

Overnight Market Summary

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:22 am (AEST)

Major Indices Performance (As of last close):

Index Value % Change
S&P 500 5,664 +0.58%
Dow Jones 41,368 +0.62%
NASDAQ Composite 17,928 +1.07%
Russell 2000 2,026 +1.85%

Country Indices Performance:

Country Value % Change
Canada 25,254 +0.37%
China 3,352 +0.28%
Germany 23,353 +1.02%
Hong Kong 22,776 +0.37%
India 80,335 -0.51%
Japan 36,929 +0.41%
United Kingdom 8,532 -0.32%

Commodity Prices (USD):

Commodity Value (USD) % Change
Gold 3,306.0 +0.01%
Copper 4.604 +1.08%
WTI Oil 59.91 +3.17%

Currency Information:

Currency Pair Value % Change
AUD/USD 0.6402 -0.37%

Cryptocurrency Performance:

Cryptocurrency Value (USD/AUD) % Change
Bitcoin 102,700 +5.63%
Ethereum 3,400 +20.31%

Miscellaneous Information:

Item Value % Change
US 10 Yr T-bond 4.373 +2.29%
VIX Index 22.48 -4.54%

U.S. Sector Performance

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:22 am (AEST)

Sector % Change
Consumer Discretionary +1.35%
Industrials +1.34%
Energy +1.26%
Materials +1.20%
Information Technology +0.85%
Financials +0.71%
Communication Services +0.60%
Consumer Staples -0.49%
Real Estate -0.54%
Utilities -0.86%
Health Care -0.91%

Overnight Market Context

  • Major U.S. benchmarks saw gains, but ended below the highest points of the session.
  • Trump presented a framework for a trade agreement between the US and UK, a significant milestone following the imposition of pre-emptive tariffs.

Notable Stock Movements

  • Apple has signalled a potential decrease in reliance on Google due to evolving AI dynamics.
  • Tech leaders are urging U.S. senators to lessen the regulatory pressures they face.
  • Elon Musk’s xAI will utilise Tesla’s Megapack batteries for a new supercomputer.
  • AppLovin’s shares surged due to strong Q1 results amidst a mobile gaming sale agreement.
  • Toyota has reduced profit forecasts, citing tariff impacts and foreign exchange fluctuations.
  • Ford announced a price hike of up to $2,000 on models produced in Mexico due to tariffs.

Central Banks & Economic Outlook

  • The Bank of England has reduced interest rates, providing relief to borrowers.
  • Global central bank policies are diverging as inflation and growth challenges are addressed by the Fed.
  • Caution prevails within the Bank of Japan amidst current trade disputes.

Geopolitical & Trade Developments

  • China calls for the US to lift unilateral tariffs before crucial trade talks.
  • The recent fentanyl proposal from China was pivotal in facilitating diplomatic discussions with the US.
  • Trump has reiterated his stance against lowering tariffs on China for trade negotiations.

Today’s ASX Updates

  • Atlas Arteria’s CEO highlights a focus on strategic partnerships rather than acquisitions.
  • Perpetual’s wealth division is estimated to sell for between AU$500 million and AU$700 million.
  • A Webjet group shareholder is aiming for a 10% stake acquisition.

Key Events

Upcoming Ex-Dividend Dates:

  • 9 May: Healius (HLS) – $0.413
  • 12 May: Dominion Income Trust (DN1) – $0.579, NAB – $0.85
  • 15 May: Autosports Group (ASG) – $0.035, Tamawood (TWD) – $0.11, United Overseas Australia (UOS) – $0.02, Wam Alternative Assets (WMA) – $0.027

Corporate actions today include:

  • Dividend payments: None.
  • Earnings report: Macquarie Group (MQG).
  • AGMs: QBE Insurance, Waypoint REIT, Atlas Arteria, Ampol, Resolute Mining.

Economic Calendar (AEDT):

  • China’s Balance of Trade, Exports, and Imports at 1 pm.

This summary encapsulates essential market movements and economic updates, enabling stakeholders to stay abreast of current trends and implications.

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