| Name | Daily Close | Daily Change | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | 44296.51 | 426.16 | 0.97% |
| S&P 500 | 5969.34 | 20.63 | 0.35% |
| Nasdaq | 19003.65 | 31.23 | 0.16% |
| VIX | 15.24 | -1.63 | -9.66% |
| Gold | 2718.20 | 6.00 | 0.22% |
| Oil | 71.19 | -0.05 | -0.07% |
US MARKET
U.S. stock markets are poised for a positive opening on Monday, buoyed by investor confidence in robust economic activity. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite are all expected to advance, extending last week’s gains. However, geopolitical concerns will remain a key focus, as markets monitor the escalating Ukraine-Russia conflict following Moscow’s indication of a lower threshold for nuclear retaliation.
Federal Reserve policy speculation continues to drive market sentiment. With December’s meeting on the horizon, investors are divided between expectations of a pause or a rate cut, considering the potential inflationary impacts of anticipated policies under a returning Trump administration. The CME Group’s FedWatch Tool currently places a 59.6 percent probability on a 25-basis-point rate cut.
U.S. stocks closed last week higher, reflecting cautious optimism. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.0 percent to 44,296.51, the S&P 500 rose 0.3 percent to 5,969.34, and the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.2 percent to 19,003.65. Among S&P 500 constituents, Super Micro Computer Inc led the pack with an 11.72 percent surge, followed by Copart Inc at 10.14 percent and Moderna Inc with a 7.50 percent gain. On the downside, Intuit Inc fell 5.68 percent, Palo Alto Networks Inc dropped 3.61 percent, and NetApp Inc declined 3.43 percent.
The shifting dynamics between growth and value stocks are drawing attention. Mark Hackett, Chief of Investment Research at Nationwide, highlighted the emergence of broader market leadership, stating, “I’ve been looking for this leadership change to go from technology to everything else. I think we may be in the midst of that shift. Small caps are acting much better, values are acting better.”
LOCAL MARKET
The Australian share market’s momentum appears set to continue this week, with the ASX 200 poised to approach the significant 8500-point milestone. Investor sentiment remains buoyant, bolstered by optimism over the potential impact of a forthcoming Trump administration on markets and a surge in energy stocks amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
Futures suggest a 0.6 percent rise in the S&P/ASX 200 Index at Monday’s opening, adding 52 points to Friday’s record close of 8393.8. Energy stocks are expected to lead the charge following a 6 percent increase in Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude benchmarks last week. Key players like South 32, Woodside, and Ampol have already posted impressive gains this month, with Whitehaven Coal surging 13 percent.
Market attention will also focus on select stocks and corporate events. Block, the Afterpay owner often seen as a bellwether for cryptocurrency sentiment, has climbed 27 percent this month. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ended last week at a historic $159.03 per share, underscoring strength in the financial sector.
Key events this week include Smartpay’s earnings release, as well as annual general meetings for Pro Medicus, Southern Cross Media, and Regal Partners, which could provide further insights into corporate outlooks as the year-end approaches.