Morning Update: ASX 200 Futures Steady, S&P 500 Achieves Best Monthly Rise Since 2023

by admin

Monday Morning Wrap-Up – 2nd June 2025

ASX 200 futures are up by 8 points (+0.09%) as of 8:30 AM AEST.

Key Takeaways

  • Major US indices saw limited movement overnight, yet the S&P 500 and Nasdaq celebrated their best monthly performances in over a year.
  • Discussions around tariffs between the US and China are stagnating, as both nations escalate existing restrictions.
  • Notable Australian corporate actions include Soul Patts merging with Brickworks, and Perenti securing a $1 billion contract.

Overnight Summary

Market Updates as of 2nd June 2025, 8:21 AM AEST:

Major Indices Performance

Name Value % Change
S&P 500 5,912 -0.01%
Dow Jones 42,270 +0.13%
NASDAQ Comp 19,114 -0.32%
Russell 2000 2,066 -0.41%

International Indices Performance

Country Value % Change
Canada 26,175 -0.14%
China 3,347 -0.47%
Germany 23,997 +0.27%
Hong Kong 23,290 -1.20%
India 81,451 -0.22%
Japan 37,965 -1.22%
United Kingdom 8,772 +0.64%

Commodities

Commodity Value % Change
Gold 3,288.90 +0.01%
Copper 4.68 +0.07%
WTI Oil 60.79 -0.25%

Currency

Currency Value % Change
AUD/USD 0.6435 -0.14%

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Value % Change
Bitcoin (USD) 105,662 +0.74%
Ethereum (AUD) 3,950 +0.11%

US Sectors Performance

Sector % Change
Consumer Staples +1.16%
Utilities +1.08%
Communication Services +0.49%
Health Care +0.25%
Financials +0.20%
Real Estate +0.13%
Materials +0.12%
Industrials +0.11%
Information Technology -0.43%
Consumer Discretionary -0.58%
Energy -0.68%

Market Sentiments

The S&P 500 saw a mid-session rally, allowing it to regain some losses after a flat start. Notably, key indices such as Nasdaq and S&P have delivered their strongest monthly gains since November 2023, propelled by easing tariff tensions.

Corporate Highlights

  • Dell raised its profit forecast driven by heightened AI server demand.
  • Costco’s third-quarter earnings exceeded expectations despite tariff impacts.
  • Zscaler saw a surge in shares following strong quarterly results.
  • Gap’s earnings report suffered due to tariff-related costs, leading to a sharp decline in share prices.
  • Ford warned of potential job cuts contingent on changes to clean energy tax incentives.

Economic Insights

  • Economic indicators show the US April core PCE rose marginally, while personal spending growth slowed.
  • China’s manufacturing PMI improved slightly but remains fragile as trade tensions persist.
  • Spanish inflation has eased, strengthening prospects for potential ECB rate cuts.

Local Developments (ASX Highlights)

  • Cash Converters has acquired 10 UK franchises for $15.7 million, expecting the purchase to be earnings accretive.
  • Perenti awarded a significant $1.1 billion contract for underground mining operations.
  • Soul Patts plans to merge with Brickworks, creating a combined entity with a market cap of $14 billion.

What to Watch Today

Anticipate a quiet market start as few corporate updates arise. However, the IPO market appears to be showing signs of activity.

Broker Moves

  • Fisher & Paykel upgraded to Overweight from Equal-weight with an increased price target.
  • Lotus Resources initiated at Underweight with a conservative price target.

Key Events This Week

  • Various companies are trading ex-dividend, including Pengana Global Private Credit Trust.
  • Economic releases of interest today include the ANZ-Indeed Job Ads and US ISM Manufacturing PMI.

The market’s direction remains tethered to ongoing tariff discussions while corporate earnings shape investor sentiment. Stay tuned for developments as June progresses.

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