JCB find the YieldReport to be an invaluable summary of all debt market activity. Whilst we are focussed on the highest grade bonds it is important to see what is..Angus Coote, Executive Director, JCB Active Bond Fund
US stocks hit new highs on Friday, driven by a favorable jobs report suggesting a possible Federal Reserve rate cut.
The S&P 500 rose 0.54%, and the Nasdaq increased by 0.9% and the Dow increased by 0.17%, with major tech companies leading gains.
The employment data showed 206,000 new jobs in June, but the unemployment rate rose to 4.1%, fueling expectations of reduced inflation and lower interest rates.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock surged over 25% after strong vehicle delivery figures, despite broader auto sector challenges.
LOCAL MARKET
The Australian stock market slightly dipped ahead of the US jobs update, with the S&P/ASX200 and All Ordinaries indices closing down 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively.
The market remained range-bound, gaining 0.7% over the week.
Healthcare led sector gains, while a significant incident at the Grosvenor coalmine spiked coal stocks.
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals surged 15% after positive trial results. Major banks mostly fell, except ANZ, and the Australian dollar strengthened against the US dollar.