| Name | Daily Close | Daily Change | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | 44565.07 | 408.34 | 0.92% |
| S&P 500 | 6118.71 | 32.34 | 0.53% |
| Nasdaq | 20053.68 | 44.34 | 0.22% |
| VIX | 15.02 | -0.08 | -0.53% |
| Gold | 2762.10 | -8.80 | -0.32% |
| Oil | 74.28 | -1.16 | -1.54% |
US MARKET
US stocks closed higher on Thursday, with the S&P 500 securing a record close as investors reacted to remarks from President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The S&P 500 rose over 0.5%, achieving its first all-time closing high of 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.9% to 44,565.07, though it fell short of setting its own record, while the Nasdaq Composite recovered from early losses to close 0.2% higher.
Nvidia shares ended slightly above the flatline after its supplier, SK Hynix, flagged uncertainty around chip demand for the year. This news weighed on other semiconductor stocks throughout the session.
Trump’s remote speech from Davos dominated market attention. The president called for an immediate drop in interest rates, urged OPEC to lower oil prices, and issued a warning to companies producing goods outside the US, emphasizing tariffs as a deterrent. His remarks on trade policy, including his push for AI development, spurred interest in tech stocks but left questions about the timing and impact of proposed tariffs on major trading partners.
Earnings season remains a key focus for investors, with Netflix setting the tone ahead of next week’s Big Tech earnings reports. On the economic front, US jobless claims rose by 6,000 to 223,000 last week, slightly above economists’ expectations of 220,000.
Australian shares are poised to open higher, taking cues from Wall Street after US equities closed at record highs overnight. Futures indicate the S&P/ASX 200 will rise 23 points, or 0.3%, to 8370, while the Australian dollar strengthened by 0.3% to US62.83¢.
4DMedical secured a deal with Queensland-based Qscan Radiology Clinics to provide its pulmonary function and structure products.
Synlait Milk has projected a return to profitability in the second half of 2025. Morgan Stanley anticipates a modestly negative reaction to Ampol’s earnings drop but foresees positive revisions for Fortescue’s performance this year. Meanwhile, invoice financing firm Earlypay is reportedly exploring a new sale opportunity.
ASX futures indicate a 0.3% rise to 8370. Key market movements include the Australian dollar up 0.3% to US62.92¢, Bitcoin down 0.2% to $US104,148, and Brent crude falling 1.1% to $US78.16 per barrel.