| Name | Daily Close | Daily Change | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | 45,947.32 | -173.96 | -0.38% |
| S&P 500 | 6,604.72 | -33.25 | -0.50% |
| Nasdaq | 22,384.70 | -113.16 | -0.50% |
| VIX | 16.82 | 0.08 | 0.48% |
| Gold | 3,782.60 | 11.5 | 0.30% |
| Oil | 65.14 | 0.16 | 0.25% |
OVERVIEW OF THE US MARKET
Wall Street ended higher on September 26, 2025, buoyed by consumer spending data that exceeded forecasts and an inflation reading that aligned with expectations, keeping Federal Reserve rate-cut bets alive. The S&P 500 climbed 0.59% to close at 6643.70, the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.44% to 22484.07, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.65% to 46247.29. Utilities led sector gains with a 1.59% advance, followed by consumer discretionary at 1.45%, while consumer staples dipped 0.11%. Intel surged 4.44% on heavy volume amid reports of potential US efforts to reduce reliance on overseas chips, and Ford jumped 3.36% as active trading highlighted auto sector resilience.
Personal consumption expenditures data showed core PCE inflation holding steady at 2.9% annually, easing concerns of reacceleration and supporting the Fed’s path toward two more rate cuts this year. Revised second-quarter GDP growth came in at a robust 3.8%, stronger than the prior 3.3% estimate, underscoring economic strength driven by consumer spending and business investment. Fed officials, including Richmond President Tom Barkin, noted limited risks to employment and inflation, though a potential government shutdown looms, which could delay next week’s jobs report. Corporate highlights included Oracle’s discussions for a potential private buyout and Boeing’s progress in regaining regulatory powers, while Trump’s tariff proposals on drugs and trucks influenced moves in Paccar and drug makers.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments on ongoing US-China tariff talks added to market optimism, though investors remain cautious amid high valuations, with the S&P 500’s forward P/E at 22.9, a level rarely seen this century. Strategists see the bull market persisting on resilient consumer spending and corporate profits, but warn of possible October volatility tied to historical patterns and fiscal uncertainties.
OVERVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET
The Australian share market closed modestly higher on September 26, 2025, capping a lackluster week as gains in materials offset weakness in health care and utilities. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.17% to 8787.7, while the All Ordinaries added 0.17% to 9079.2. Materials led with a 0.90% gain, buoyed by strength in gold and copper, and financials climbed 0.50%, but health care tumbled 1.42% amid fallout from US tariff announcements on pharmaceuticals. Standouts included Environmental Clean Technologies up 20.7% on reinstatement momentum and Dateline Resources surging 17.5% after REE target validation, while Decidr AI fell 10.1% in a post-rally pullback.
Hotter-than-expected weighted CPI at 3.0% year-over-year for August raised doubts about near-term RBA rate cuts, pushing full pricing to early next year despite labor-market softening. Flash PMI data earlier in the week showed manufacturing at 51.6 and services at 52.0, indicating modest expansion but below prior readings, contributing to subdued momentum. Gold sub-index rose 1.2% as prices neared records, with silver names like Unico Silver up 17.1%, while uranium stocks such as Peninsula Energy gained 9.2% on sector strength.
Cryptocurrencies extended losses, with Bitcoin little changed but down sharply from recent highs, potentially signaling fading risk appetite. Investors eye US developments, including tariff truces, for spillover effects, though domestic resilience in consumer staples and energy supports a cautious outlook into October’s volatile reputation.