Morning Wrap: ASX 200 Set for Decline as S&P 500 and Nasdaq Hit New Record Highs

by admin

Morning Market Wrap-Up – 29 July 2025

As of 8:30 AM AEST, the ASX 200 futures have declined by 60 points (-0.69%). Here’s a concise overview of the latest market movements:

Key Highlights:

  • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have reached new record highs.
  • Overall market breadth was negative, despite the strength of large-cap stocks propelling the indices upwards.
  • The anticipated EU trade agreement did not yield a significant rally, but stocks in the AI and semiconductor sectors continued to perform well.

Overnight Summary

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Major Indices Performance:

Index Value % Change
S&P 500 6,390 +0.02%
Dow Jones 44,838 -0.14%
NASDAQ Comp 21,179 +0.33%
Russell 2000 2,257 -0.19%

Commodities (USD):

Commodity Value % Change
Gold 3,312.15 -0.76%
Copper 5.6024 -3.14%
WTI Oil 66.98 +2.80%

Currency Overview:

Pair Value % Change
AUD/USD 0.6524 +0.02%

Cryptocurrency Values:

Cryptocurrency Value (USD) % Change
Bitcoin 118,174 -1.14%
Ethereum 5,816 -1.27%

US Sector Performance

The following indicates sector performances as of this morning:

Sector % Change
Energy +1.15%
Information Technology +0.77%
Consumer Discretionary +0.69%
Communication Services -0.18%
Industrials -0.29%
Financials -0.67%
Health Care -0.83%
Consumer Staples -0.89%
Utilities -1.05%
Materials -1.44%
Real Estate -1.75%

Market Insights

  • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq recorded gains, marking six consecutive days of increases. However, the breadth of market performance was disappointing as evidenced by the Equal-weight S&P 500, which fell significantly.
  • Key elements influencing the market include headline volatility relating to US-EU trade discussions, extended tariffs between the US and China, a lacklustre five-year Treasury auction, and expectations surrounding upcoming earnings reports from major technology firms.
  • Oppenheimer has revised its S&P 500 year-end target to 7,100, anticipating robust earnings and easing of trade tensions. Meanwhile, Wall Street braces for pivotal Federal Reserve meetings and significant tech earnings announcements.

Noteworthy Stock Movements

  • Tesla has finalised a $16.5 billion semiconductor agreement with Samsung, reflecting strong commitments to AI chip production.
  • Figma has raised its IPO price target as investor interest in technology stocks escalates.
  • In contrast, Audi has downgraded its revenue forecast due to US tariffs and restructuring pressures, while Heineken sees positives in the new EU-US trade deal.

Central Bank Developments

  • As the Fed meeting approaches, there are calls from the White House for interest rate cuts. The Fed is anticipated to maintain current rates, while the ECB signals a reluctance to cut rates in the immediate future unless there is significant economic deterioration.

Trade Insights

  • A new trade agreement between the US and EU has been established to avert escalated tariffs.
  • The French government expresses discontent regarding the deal, urging the EU to consider retaliatory tariffs.
  • Discussions continue surrounding a potential US-China trade deal, amid ongoing high-level talks and executive visits to China.

Australian Market Outlook

For today, the ASX market anticipates further pullbacks with indications of weak market breadth. A series of company announcements are likely ahead of the fiscal year-end results.

Economic Calendar

Currently, there are no major economic reports scheduled for release.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of market performance and key developments, assisting investors in navigating today’s financial landscape.

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