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Table of Contents
Tuesday Morning Market Wrap
As of 8:30 am AEST, ASX 200 futures indicate a drop of 19 points (-0.21%). Here’s a snapshot of key developments:
- US markets retreated following last Friday’s record highs.
- The Australian share market is expected to soften after a substantial 0.97% surge on Monday.
- A robust day for FY25 earnings reports with significant performances anticipated from Austal, Coles, and Fortescue.
Overnight Market Summary
Date: 26 August 2025, 8:23 AM AEST
| Major Indices: | Index | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 6,439 | -0.43% | |
| Dow Jones | 45,282 | -0.77% | |
| NASDAQ | 21,449 | -0.22% | |
| Russell 2000 | 2,339 | -0.96% |
| Country Indices: | Country | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 28,170 | -0.58% | |
| China | 3,884 | +1.51% | |
| Germany | 24,273 | -0.37% | |
| Hong Kong | 25,830 | +1.94% | |
| India | 81,636 | +0.40% | |
| Japan | 42,808 | +0.41% | |
| United Kingdom | 9,321 | +0.13% |
| Commodity Prices (USD): | Commodity | Price | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 3,365.04 | -0.24% | |
| Copper | 4.4613 | +0.22% | |
| WTI Oil | 64.74 | +1.72% |
Currency:
- AUD/USD: 0.6484 (+0.02%)
| Cryptocurrency: | Cryptocurrency | Price | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (USD) | 110,128 | -2.56% | |
| Ethereum (AUD) | 6,739 | -8.51% |
| Miscellaneous: | Item | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 10 Yr T-bond | 4.275 | +0.35% | |
| VIX | 14.79 | +4.01% |
US Market Highlights
- Major US indices fell, closing near session lows after a noteworthy rally the prior Friday.
- The trading session was largely uneventful, lacking significant market drivers.
- Ongoing speculation around potential dovish economic policies continues as inflation and labor market concerns linger.
- Following the previous week’s significant gains, technology and growth stocks underperformed while small caps and value stocks saw gains.
- Nvidia emerges as a focal point for market risks following indications of potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Industry Insights
What’s Moving in Stocks:
- Donald Trump expressed intentions to increase investments in US companies, notably Intel.
- Intel warned that US investments could affect its global sales and access to future grants.
- Berkshire Hathaway has decided against acquiring a train company, contrary to earlier expectations.
- Thoma Bravo announces a $2 billion acquisition of Verint Systems, marking a significant move into the AI sector.
Tariff Developments
- Trump announced expected increases in tariffs on furniture within the next 50 days.
- Talks of a 200% tariff on Chinese imports if concessions are not met.
- The US-EU trade deal is defended to prevent escalating trade tensions, while Germany is encouraged to seek alternative trade partners amid US tariffs.
Central Banks & Economic Outlook
- St. Louis Fed officials advise caution regarding a September rate cut.
- The European Central Bank shifts focus towards economic monitoring after pausing on rate reductions.
Industry ETFs Overview
| Commodities: | Name | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Metals | 61.23 | +3.99% | |
| Gold Miners | 60.26 | +0.13% | |
| Lithium & Battery Tech | 46.4 | -0.24% |
| Industrials & Healthcare: | Name | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 27.58 | -0.04% | |
| Biotechnology | 137.07 | -1.98% |
| Cryptocurrency: | Name | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | 20.04 | -5.02% |
ASX Market Focus
Today’s Overview:
A pivotal day for earnings reporting with Austal, Coles, and Fortescue being notable mentions. Investors are encouraged to monitor how prior key performers react and to review the data from ongoing corporate results.
What to Watch
- The ASX may see continued volatility following a strong previous rally.
- Keep an eye on sector performances that showed varied reactions to prior market dynamics, with both winners and losers to consider for future investment strategies.
Broker Updates
Notable adjustments include downgrades (- such as Abacus Group to Underweight from Neutral) and target adjustments for various stocks.
