Equities_24.03.25.csv
| Name | Daily Close | Daily Change | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | 42,583.32 | 597.97 | 1.42% |
| S&P 500 | 5,767.57 | 100.01 | 1.76% |
| Nasdaq | 18,188.59 | 404.54 | 2.27% |
| VIX | 17.48 | -1.8 | -9.34% |
| Gold | 3,019.50 | 3.9 | 0.13% |
| Oil | 69.13 | 0.02 | 0.03% |
US MARKET
Stocks saw one of their best sessions of the year amid signs US trade sanctions will be narrower than feared, including a suggestion by President Donald Trump that some countries will get breaks. The S&P 500 rose 1.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.4%. A measure of the Magnificent Seven megacaps gained 3.4% (Tesla Inc. soared 12%). A closely watched index of chipmakers jumped 3%. The Russell 2000 advanced 2.5%. Bonds fell alongside gold. The dollar wavered.
Have we seen ‘peak chaos’ in US tariff policy?? Events over the weekend seemed to confirm that regularisation and rationalisation of tariff policy is coming, followed by negotiations and concessions. However, . . . . Trump has touted his April 2 announcement as a “Liberation Day,”, heralding the start of a more protectionist policy meant as retribution against trading partners he has long accused of “ripping off” the US.
AUSTRALIAN EQUITY MARKET WRAP
The S&P/ASX 200 Index inched up 0.07% to close at 7,937 on Monday, building on last week’s gains as strong private sector activity data lifted market sentiment. Manufacturing activity in Australia expanded at the fastest pace in 29 months in March, while services growth also accelerated.
Notable performances were seen from index heavyweights such as Commonwealth Bank (1.4%), Fortescue (3.2%), NAB (2.2%), Mineral Resources (6.9%), and Telix Pharmaceuticals (4.4%). In corporate news, James Hardie plunged 14.5% following its A$14 billion acquisition deal for US outdoor building products maker AZEK. Mortgage insurer Helia Group also sank 25.6% after disclosing that its lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) contract with Commonwealth Bank could be in jeopardy, as the bank entered exclusive talks with an alternative provider.