CommSec Market Update

Markets rose on optimism that the war could soon come to an end, lifting risk appetite and pushing most commodities and the Australian dollar higher. Attention is also turning to the latest market acronym, HALO, but what’s behind it? James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian share market staged a dramatic rebound on Wednesday, surging over 2% in its strongest session in almost a year as optimism grew around potential de-escalation in the Iran conflict. The S&P/ASX 200 climbed to a two-week high, with gold miners leading the charge after a brutal March, while tech stocks and materials also rebounded strongly. The rally followed comments from US President Trump suggesting the conflict could end within weeks, sparking a 3% surge on Wall Street overnight. Investors also shrugged off concerns about potential fuel restrictions ahead of the Easter break, with most sectors advancing and only utilities in the red. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets have surged on hopes the war could soon end, with encouraging signs emerging from both Donald Trump and Iran. It marks a positive end to what has otherwise been a brutal month for investors. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the index clawed back from morning lows following reports of potential de-escalation in the Middle East, it wasn't enough to mask a shocker of a month for the ASX. March saw the benchmark plunge nearly 8%, marking its steepest monthly decline since June 2022. Energy was the runaway winner, surging 20% on record oil disruptions, while Materials and Gold miners faced their worst sell-offs in over a decade. Domestic news added to the heavy mood, with consumer confidence hitting a 50-year record low as petrol prices breached $2.50 per litre. Meanwhile, the RBA announced a landmark ban on most card surcharges starting October, and ARN Media shares cratered 17% following a high-profile legal claim from Jackie O. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX is expected to move higher despite a softer lead from Wall Street. Oil prices pared gains after a G7 pledge to stabilise energy markets, while attention is also turning to why the “Magnificent Seven” stocks aren’t so magnificent this year. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie share market fell sharply today, hitting a four-year low for the month as global uncertainty weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Energy stocks rallied on soaring oil prices, while banks and tech stocks led the decline. With one day left in March, the ASX 200 is on track for its worst monthly performance since June 2022. Investors remain focused on Middle East tensions and await further economic data from the US and RBA minutes. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East has entered its fifth week, with the weekend’s developments set to shape markets in the days ahead. The Aussie market is expected to open lower following recent weakness, while key economic data out of Australia this week will also be in focus. Join James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist, and Gillian Bowen, Head of Media and Markets at CommSec, as they take you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie share market edged lower on Friday as investors remained cautious amid ongoing Middle East tensions, with energy stocks outperforming and technology shares under pressure. The ASX 200 is on track for its first weekly gain in four weeks, though still facing its worst monthly performance since June 2022. Market sentiment was influenced by delayed US military action against Iran and fluctuating oil prices, while sectors showed a split performance over the week. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly four weeks of fighting in the Middle East, uncertainty continues to surround proposals for a peace plan, pushing oil prices higher. Locally, the Aussie market is expected to open in the red, following losses on Wall Street. Join James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist, and Gillian Bowen, Head of Media and Markets at CommSec, as they take you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie share market closed little changed today as investors weighed conflicting signals from the US and Iran over a potential ceasefire. Energy stocks gained momentum from rebounding oil prices, while tech shares slipped. With three trading days left in March, the ASX 200 remains down around 7% for the month, with only energy and utilities in positive territory. Key dividend announcements from BHP, Woodside Energy, and others added some market activity, but broader sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing Middle East tensions and shifting expectations for US interest rates. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day’s market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX is set to rise at the open on hopes of a ceasefire in Iran, with improving sentiment helping lift global markets. In the US and Europe, stocks and bonds climbed as oil prices fell, with investors keeping the recent March pullback in perspective. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian share market delivered its best day in six weeks, surging 1.9% as cooler-than-expected inflation data eased rate hike expectations. Energy stocks fell sharply amid reports of potential US-Iran negotiations, while materials and mining stocks led the charge. BHP and Rio Tinto posted strong gains, with Rio benefiting from $2 billion in government subsidies. The gold sub-sector rebounded 8%, though still down 25% this month. All sectors finished higher except energy and investors now await Trump’s speech tomorrow morning for further geopolitical cues. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day’s market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX is set to open higher after choppy trading across overseas markets, with investors also turning their attention to key inflation data out of Australia today. On Wall Street, markets were mixed as Iran again denied talks, keeping geopolitical uncertainty in focus. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-awaited reprieve arrived today, with the local market snapping a three-session losing streak after President Trump postponed strikes on Iranian energy assets. While the index surged early on, gains faded to 0.4% by the close as skepticism grew over conflicting reports of peace talks. Despite the bounce, the market remains down nearly 9% this month after briefly entering correction territory yesterday. Miners provided the heavy lifting with a 3% jump, offsetting a weak Financials sector. Energy stocks proved resilient; after an initial slump, the sector recovered as Brent crude climbed back above $103 a barrel. Meanwhile, Myer shares retreated after a 17% profit drop overshadowed record Black Friday sales. All eyes now shift to tomorrow's crucial February inflation data. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX is set to rebound as hopes grow of a resolution to the conflict in Iran. Oil has plunged back below US$100 a barrel, while attention is also turning to gold, with strong demand driving queues outside bullion stores. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie share market tumbled to a 10-month low as escalating US-Iran tensions sparked a global sell-off. The ASX 200 briefly entered correction territory, dragged down by a 2.4% fall in the materials sector, while energy stocks bucked the trend with a 1.3% gain. Miners including BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue posted double-digit losses this month, and gold stocks plunged 32% from record highs. The financial sector also slipped, weighed by the major banks. Investors remain on edge ahead of key inflation data and further geopolitical developments. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluid, volatile and uncertain — the Middle East conflict is set to dominate financial markets again this week. Elsewhere, the Aussie share market is set to fall following a sell-off in US markets, while oil has climbed to its highest level in nearly four years. Join James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist, and Gillian Bowen, Head of Media and Markets at CommSec, as they take you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie market hit a four-month low today, dropping 0.8% to conclude its third consecutive week of declines. It has now shed over 8% in March as the conflict near Iran enters its 20th day, sparking fears of the worst monthly performance in years. While Healthcare and Energy offered defensive cover, Financials and Materials led a late-session slide into a "sea of red." The month's stark divide continues: Energy is up 16% on high oil prices, while Materials has plunged 19%. Retailer Premier Investments mirrored the volatility, jumping 8.5% on results before finishing down 4.5%. With oil near $107, focus shifts to next Wednesday's inflation data for May rate hike clues. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Escalating attacks in the Persian Gulf have caused long-term damage to major energy facilities, fuelling volatility across oil and natural gas markets. At the same time, investors have moved away from traditional safe havens, with gold and silver facing a sell-off. So how will the Aussie share market respond as we round out a choppy week? Join James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist, and Gillian Bowen, Head of Media and Markets at CommSec, as they take you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie share market tumbled today, dragged lower by global uncertainty and Middle East tensions, with the ASX 200 falling to its lowest level in months. Energy was the sole bright spot, surging as oil prices jumped to near 12-year highs. Investors also digested a stronger-than-expected jobs report, which raised the likelihood of further rate hikes from the RBA. With central bank meetings continuing worldwide, volatility remains elevated. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.