The ASX 200 hit a new record high at 8959 (+0.2%) as banks gathered strength. NAB results were in line, with the CEO sounding a little contrite — unlike QAN , which was hit with a record fine for “not being sorry enough.” QAN fell % while NAB rose 2.7%. The Big Bank Basket climbed to $280.06 (%). Insurers were firmer, with IAG up 0.8%. Other financials were less enthusiastic. REITs gained ground with MGR up 3.5% and GPT up 1.9%, while DGT fell sharply after missing expectations. Down 14.1%. Indu...
Aug 18, 2025•13 min
Wall St finished the week mostly down as economic data reduced odds for a Fed rate cut in September. S&P 500 down 0.29%. Nasdaq down 0.4%. Dow near flat. Up 35 points. Retail sales met expectations. Up 0.5% in July led by auto sales and online shopping. June reading revised up. Somewhat easing concerns about a stalling US economy post the recent labour data prints. On the downside, the outlook for consumer spending deteriorated as rising costs from tariffs are expected to impact demand. Impo...
Aug 17, 2025•13 min
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Aug 15, 2025•8 min
Wall Street recorded a rather flat session as a better than expected producer prices report cooled expectations of the speed of potential interest-rate cuts. S&P 500 inched up 0.03%, Nasdaq inched down 0.01%. Dow fell slowly from the open, troughing at around noon, before recovering to previous levels. Closed near high, down 11 points. Mixed sector performance. Healthcare best performer, was second in the previous session, regaining some strength after being one of the weaker performers this...
Aug 14, 2025•14 min
The ASX 200 touched 8900 (nearly) before profit-taking crept in as jobs data was better than expected. The index closed up 47 points at 8874 (0.5%). ‘Super Thursday’ with results dominating. Banks were mixed as CBA continued to struggle, down % with the Big Bank Basket at $274.63 (+0.6%). WBC results were solid and, given its relative value to CBA , rose 6.3%. Other financials firmed, MQG up 1.7% and insurers doing well, SUN up 3.6% on better-than-expected results. GQG rallied 3.2% with XYZ up 2...
Aug 14, 2025•14 min
Wall Street recorded another positive session with the S&P500 and the Nasdaq closing at new record highs for the second consecutive day after yesterday’s inflation came in broadly as expected, bolstering the case for the Fed to resume easing. S&P 500 up 0.32%, Nasdaq up 0.14%. Dow jumped at the open, weakened a little as the day progressed, but found renewed strength toward the end to finish near a fresh high. Up 464 points. Mainly broad and strong sector performance. Materials best perf...
Aug 13, 2025•15 min
The ASX 200 fell 54 points to 8,827 (-0.6%). Not a bad day considering, CBA was smacked 5.4% on a solid but uninspiring result, with valuations already too stretched to be just “in line.” The fall; accounted for around 50 index points. The Big Bank Basket fell to $273.05 (-4.0%) with ANZ outperforming on catch-up. Other financials slid, QBE down 1.5% as IAG dipped 0.1% on a slight beat on results, ASX down 2.4% and GQG slipping 2.3% lower again. REITs rose slightly, SCG up 0.3% and SGP up 0.5%. ...
Aug 13, 2025•14 min
Wall Street recorded a positive session with the S&P500 and the Nasdaq closing at new record highs as inflation came in broadly as expected with CPI rising 0.2% on a monthly basis in July. S&P 500 up 1.1%, Nasdaq up 1.4%. Dow rose at the open following the inflation news, and remained steady at that level for the rest of the session. Closed near high, up 484 points. Broad sector performance. Financials best performer on rate cut expectations. Tech followed closely behind. Materials and I...
Aug 12, 2025•14 min
The ASX 200 hit a new record high, up 36 points to 8881(0.4%) as the RBA cut rates as expected. Banks pushed higher with the Big Bank Basket at $284.55 (+0.6%), CBA on pause ahead of results tomorrow. ANZ the standout up 2.2% with other financials firm. ASX up 0.9% and insurers fighting back, QBE up 2.1% and SUN bouncing 2.9%. REITs were mixed but generally up, CHC up 0.8% and SGP up 0.2%. Industrials mixed, JBH bounced well on analyst reports, SGH fell hard on a disappointing outlook. XRO dropp...
Aug 12, 2025•13 min
Wall Street recorded a negative session as markets await tonight’s inflation release to gauge the path of rates and the inflationary effects of tariffs. S&P 500 down 0.25%, Nasdaq down 0.30%. Dow dropped at the open, almost fully recovered by noon, but then continued to fall. Closed near low, down 201 points. Mixed sector performance. Energy, REITs and Industrials all down despite oil rising and yields being rather flat. At the opposite end, Cyclicals was up, benefitting from Tesla’s 2.8% ri...
Aug 11, 2025•14 min
The ASX 200 marched another 38 points higher to 8845 (0.4%) led by the banks and resources. CBA up % leading the charge and the Big Bank Basket to $282.97 (+1.2%). WBC up 1.9% with MQG down 0.3% and insurers still suffering from post QBE fall out. Financials a little lacklustre, PNI down 2.8% and XYZ giving back Friday’s gains. ZIP down 2.7%. AMP smacked 7.2% lower on broker downgrades. REITs firmed, DGT up 9.1% on certification news, with CMW up 2.3%. Industrials becalmed, ALL down 1.1%, WES fe...
Aug 11, 2025•12 min
An excellent night on Wall St to cap off a positive week. Nasdaq up 0.98% to a record high. S&P 500 up 0.78%, driven by gains in the Technology sector. 0.5% off its record high. Dow Jones lagged, only up 207 points. Closing near the high. No major news during the session. Tech stocks were boosted by ‘ Fed rate cut enthusiasm ’ and Apple rising another 4.2%. Up 13.3% for the week, its largest gain since covid. This week saw several Fed officials soften their policy stances after last Friday’s...
Aug 10, 2025•11 min
ASX 200 fell 24 points to 8807 (0.3%) to be up 1.7% for the week. Not too shabby. As usual it was the perennial war between banks and resources. Banks down with CBA slipping %, results next week and the Big Bank Basket down to $279.64 (-0.8%). Insurers walloped, QBE down 8.8% on poor results. SUN off 3.2% and IAG sliding 2.7%. Other financials falling hard too GQG down 14.6% on FUM levels falling and performance lagging, HUB dropped 2.0% and PNI took a break, down 5.3%. REITs flat, healthcare sl...
Aug 08, 2025•12 min
Wall Street recorded a mixed session. Earnings by Eli Lilly disappointed and Trump said he’ll nominate Council of Economic Advisors Chairman Stephen Miran to serve out the remaining term of Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler, while searching for a longer term replacement. S&P 500 down 0.08%, Nasdaq up 0.35%. Dow dropped at the open, and maintained that level throughout the day. Closed near low, down 224 points. Mixed sector performance. Utilities, Materials and REITs all rose despite bo...
Aug 07, 2025•15 min
ASX 200 fell slightly off record highs to 8831 off 12 (0.2%). A mixed session with banks slipping a little, CBA down 0.5% and the Big Bank Basket at $281.90 (). Financials dragged lower, MQG down 0.8% and ASX falling hard, off 8.6%, on cost blow outs on CHESS and other issues, AMP rose 4.8% after a broker call rethink on results. REITs firm, SCG up 0.8% and SGP up 0.9% with industrials mixed, BXB down 3.3% and QAN off 1.1% as retail stocks firmed, JBH up 1.8% and ALL up 1.5%. Travel stocks bette...
Aug 07, 2025•13 min
Wall Street recorded a positive session as Apple jumped 5.1% after pledging to invest $100Bn in domestic manufacturing while positive earning beats boosted risk-on sentiment. S&P 500 up 0.73%, Nasdaq up 1.21%. Dow dropped at the open, but recovered within the first hour and remained steady, falling a little just before the close. Closed mid-range, up 81 points. Mixed sector performance. Cyclicals the top performer, Amazon gaining 4.0% and Tesla rising 3.6% boosted the sector. Staples and Tec...
Aug 06, 2025•14 min
The ASX 200 stormed higher to finish up 73 points or 0.8% . New record high. Up 2% in the last two sessions as every major sector save for Utilities finished in the green. Resources and Energy led thanks to a broad-based rally across all major commodities. Iron ore , copper , gold , uranium , oil stocks all running hot. Gold best despite bullion falling 0.4%. Stronger USD to blame. Lithium mixed as some profit taking crept in. Discretionary Stocks followed. Resuming their recent uptrend. Two big...
Aug 06, 2025•5 min
Wall Street recorded a negative session as the impact of tariffs came back into focus with US Services PMI flatlining, with businesses citing new import taxes, and corporate earnings and forecasts of Caterpillar and Yum Brands underwhelming due to tariffs. S&P 500 down 0.49%. Nasdaq down 0.65%. Dow dropped at the open, troughing in the first hour of trading, and then found strength throughout the rest of the session. Closed mid-range, down 62 points. Defensives tended to do best. Materials ,...
Aug 05, 2025•13 min
Cracking day with the ASX 200 up 107 points to 8770 (1.2%) as banks, tech and resources fired simultaneously. US markets were the catalyst, but local enthusiasm was the fuel. The banks roared ahead with CBA up 1.4% and the Big Bank Basket up to $280.63 (+1.0%). Financials generally firm, QBE up 2.4% and MPL rising 1.6% with XYZ up 3.0%. REITs too firm, GMG up 1.5% and SCG rising 0.8%, rate cut hopes helping the whole sector. Industrials also finding buyers, retail firmed, JBH up 1.8% and WES up ...
Aug 05, 2025•14 min
Wall Street jumped, recording its best day since May 27, as investors bought into the opportunities from Friday’s sell-off following weak US jobs numbers and Trump’s firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner for producing “rigged” numbers. Shows investor appetite for risk is still there, just looking for reasons or opportunities. S&P 500 up 1.47%. Nasdaq up 1.95%. Dow jumped at the open, and remained steady throughout the day. Closed near high, up 585 points. Broad sector perform...
Aug 04, 2025•13 min
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Aug 04, 2025•10 min
Want to invest with Marcus Today ? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you. If you’re looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services. Why not sign up for a free trial ? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor....
Aug 03, 2025•12 min
The ASX 200 fell hard down 81 points to 8663 (-0.9%) to close the week, pretty much where it started. Banks which had been holding their end up, succumbed to gravity with CBA down 1.6% and NAB falling 1.2% as the Big Bank Basket dropped to $277.82 (-1.3%). MQG fell hard down 1.7% with insurers also under pressure, QBE down 1.3% and SUN off 1.5%. REITs eased back, GMG down 1.5% and SCG off 0.5% with industrials weak across the board. WES fell 0.9% and ALL down 1.2% with patches of green in retail...
Aug 01, 2025•14 min
Wall Street fell from early highs as earnings enthusiasm from Microsoft and Meta waned and Trump’s August 1st tariff deadline loomed. S&P 500 down 0.37%, Nasdaq flat. Dow fell steadily throughout the day like the other indices, closing near low. Down 330 points. Most sectors down. Utilities best performer again while Tech was slightly positive. Divergence here – Meta (+11.3%) and Microsoft (+3.9%) rose following their results, Amazon (+1.7%) rose ahead of its, Apple (-0.7%) fell ahead of its...
Jul 31, 2025•14 min
The ASX 200 fought back from early losses to close down only 14 points to 8743 (0.2%). Banks back with CBA up 0.5% and NAB rising 1.1% with the Big Bank Basket up to $281.36 (+0.5%). Financials firmed, HUB up 1.6% and QBE firing 0.5% ahead. REITS better, GMG rising 0.6% in better data centre hopes, Industrials firmed again, BXB up 0.6% and retail doing well, JBH pushing another 1.3% ahead, ALL bounced 2.4% with travel stocks under pressure as FLT downgraded guidance, off 7.3%. WEB fell 2.2% in s...
Jul 31, 2025•13 min
Wall Street recorded a primarily negative session despite US GDP of 3% in Q2 as Fed Chair Jerome Powell cooled hopes of a rate cut in September, after holding them steady in July. Powell argued rates have not held back the economy and inflation remains elevated and a threat as tariffs work their way through the economy. S&P 500 down 0.12%, Nasdaq up 0.15%. Dow was flat and steady for most of the day but dropped following Powell’s comments and then partially recovered. Finished middle of its ...
Jul 30, 2025•17 min
The ASX 200 rose 52 points to near record highs of 8756 (0.6%) after a benign CPI ensured we should get a rate cut in August. Familiar story, Banks firm with CBA up 1.6% and the Big Bank Basket up to $279.88 (+1.4%). MQG rose0.8 % with financials firm, as insurers rose surprisingly as yields slipped. QBE up 0.8% and SUN up 0.8%. GQG still feeling unloved. REIT boosted by lower rates with SGP up 2.2% and VCX rising 1.7%. Industrials too firm, BXB up 1.9% with JBH doing well as retail firmed, WOW ...
Jul 30, 2025•14 min
Wall Street recorded a negative session as disappointing earnings weighed on markets and investors awaited the Fed’s rate decision (tomorrow morning Australian time). Meta, Microsoft, Amazon and Apple all report later in the week and their results will largely dictate market direction. S&P 500 down 0.3%, Nasdaq down 0.38%. Dow fell steadily until noon, where it plateaued, despite a brief spike, closing near the low. Down 205 points. Mixed sector performance. Rate-sensitive sectors such as RE...
Jul 29, 2025•16 min
The ASX 200 fought back from early losses to close up 7 points at 8705 (0.1%). Healthcare and industrials firmed, CSL up 0.5% and ALL up 0.5% with the banks slightly weaker. CBA down 0.4% and NAB up 1.2%. The Big Bank Basket down to $276.00 (-0.1%). Financials slid with GQG off 3.3% and ASX down 0.6%. ZIP fell 1.3% and REITS drifted lower. VCX off 1.6% and GMG mixed 0.4%. Resources once again weaker, iron ore bucked the trend with BHP up 0.3% and RIO unchanged. Gold miners eased, NEM off 1.3% an...
Jul 29, 2025•12 min
Wall Street recorded another modestly positive session as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at fresh highs, boosted by US-EU trade deal, and excitement over some major corporate earnings this week including Meta, Microsoft, Amazon and Apple. S&P 500 up 0.02%, Nasdaq up 0.33%. Dow dropped at open, recovered partially, then fell steadily from noon until the final half hour of trading when it regained some strength. Finished mid-range, closed down 64 points. Narrow sector performance. Energy th...
Jul 28, 2025•12 min
