Market Updates

A twice-daily podcast from the Marcus Today team for self-directed investors. Published every weekday before the ASX open and after the close (AEST), these short updates cover what's moving markets, key developments overnight, and the themes shaping the trading day. Clear. Practical. No noise.

  1. 8H AGO

    Pre-Market Report – Monday 9 March: US markets drop - Oil soars - SPI down 156 - Brace again!

    The Dow dropped 453 points, the Nasdaq fell 1.5% and the S&P 500 lost 1.3%. The VIX rose 26% to 29. European markets were down again. Bitcoin dropped 4.5%.Overall resources held up. Gold rose 1.8%, silver 2.4% and even industrial metals in London held the line. It didn’t help the related shares though. All were down, some quite sharply, with the exception of energy firms – the only sector in the S&P 500 to stay positive. Also important was the latest US jobs data. The US unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February. It was supposed to be a 55,000 gain. Retail sales declined 0.2%, slightly better than forecast.  WTI hit its highest level since 2023 and just completed its biggest weekly rise ever. It’s up 36% for the week. US President Trump says there’ll be no deal with Iran except “unconditional surrender”. Qatar’s energy minister warns oil could hit US$150 a barrel. Also of interest is his observation that Qatar’s LNG expansion plans are now postponed. This was supposed to bring down world LNG prices and help sustain the economic expansion. Losing this is not good for the world. SPI Futures down 156 points. ASX set to open lower on Monday.   Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    13 min
  2. 3D AGO

    End of Day Report – Friday 6 March: ASX 200 down 89 points, off lows | US futures positive

    The ASX 200 smashed lower from the start. Red lights out and down we went. At the chequered flag, the index was down 89 points to 8851 (1.0%). Off lows. Narrow range trading again. Down around 3.8% for the week. Worse week since April. In the pits today was ‘Team iron Ore’, BHP down 4.2% being a big drag on racing. RIO falling 3.6% and FMG slipping 0.7%. BHP having issues with the stewards in China again on products. Gold miners also feeling tired today as the sell-off continues, despite the bullion price relatively steady. Those on the podium recently have been hit, whilst the losers are being bought up. The tech sector is doing well on its one-stop strategy, with the All-Tech Index up 3.9%. WTC racing ahead up 10.8% and XRO rallying 4.5% as it sees a push! Push! Push! Old skool tech also bounced, REA up 4.9% with TLS solid lap times up 1.2%. Banks skidded with the Big Bank Basket down to $297.93 (-0.4%) as drivers rested. Financials though generally better, MQG up 0.7% and even GQG cutting corners unchanged.  Even ZIP managed a lower podium finish, up 3.7%. MFG charging up 9.3% as the Lowy family takes a stake in the new merged business. Energy stocks were mixed, coal stocks eased back on the throttle, WDS and STO better as DRS kicked in and uranium stocks seeing brake failure and suffering losses. In corporate news, DYL dropped 11.8% on results, Iron ore stocks pulled lower on reports that China’s state backed buyer had found some cargoes had been flouting restrictions. In economic news, the ACCC warned petrol retailers from price gouging. Good luck with that. Asian markets firmed, Japan up 0.1%, China up 0.2% and HK up 1.9%. South Korea mixed. KOSDAQ up 2.7% KOSPI down 0.9% 10-year yields jumped to 4.84% US Futures down DJ up 113 and Nasdaq up 72. — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    14 min
  3. 3D AGO

    Pre-Market Report – Friday 6 March: US markets fall but off lows | Commodities under pressure

    Stocks resumed their decline Thursday after a one-day respite as concerns over the Iran war flared up again with U.S. crude topping $80 per barrel. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 784.67 points, or 1.61%, to 47,954.74. The  S&P 500 fell 0.56% to 6,830.71, while the Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.26% to 22,748.99. The stock sell-off was led by Boeing, Caterpillar  and other names that stand to lose the most if the global economy slows. Oil prices jumped, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures surpassing $80 per barrel in the afternoon to hit its highest level since July 2024, after Iran said it hit an oil tanker with a missile. It settled up more than 8% at $81.01 a barrel. International benchmark  Brent crude futures settled nearly 5% higher at $85.41 per barrel.  SPI down 125 - Commodities under pressure. — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    13 min
  4. 4D AGO

    End of Day Report – Thursday 5 March: ASX 200 jumps 39, Korea up 11% | Banks and tech rally

    The ASX 200 limped around most of the day closing up 39 points to 8940 (0.4%) with a conviction less rally. Banks found their feet with CBA up 0.4% and the Big Bank Basket up to $299.13 (+0.5%). MQG had a rare good day up 3.8% with insurers and other financials better, ZIP rose 9.9%. REITs were mixed, GMG up 2.4% and SCG off 0.5%. In industrials, WES continue to flop, down another 0.7%. Retail was flat, Healthcare better led by CSL up 2.5% and RMD up 0.8%. Tech had a good day too. WTC up 7.1% and XRO up 4.3% with the All-Tech Index up 3.4%.  Resources were a hodge-podge. Gold miners slid again with small across the board losses, EVN down 2.1% and NST down 1.9%. Iron ore majors were mixed, BHP down 1.0% and RIO up 1.2%. Lithium stocks better, higher oil prices push many towards electrification. PLS up 1.5% and LTR rising 2.3%. Copper stocks not doing much. Uranium stocks were better, PDN up 2.2% and NXG rising 3.2%. Both VEA and ALD had solid days on petrol price rises. WDS eased 1.0% and STO up 1.0%. Coal stocks were bid up, WHC up 4.3% but NHC down 1.8%. In corporate news, SGR unchanged as the Court ruled that ASIC failed to prove its case. TLC down 0.7% after bringing in a new operating model.  On the economic front, China held its Congress with new targets. Iron ore rose as China renewed a pledge to tackle overcapacity and locally household spending was slightly subdued. Annual growth came in at 4.6%. Asian markets bounce back. Japan up 2.1%, HK up 0.8% and China up 1.3%. Korea up close to 11%! 10-year yields jump to 4.79% US Futures down DJ off 132pts and Nasdaq down 35 — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    14 min
  5. 4D AGO

    Pre-Market Report – Thursday 5 March: US markets bounce with no conviction | Gold recovers slightly

    Stocks rose on Wednesday, building on the momentum seen late in the previous session, as the surge in oil prices pulled back following developments in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and fears about a U.S. economic growth scare faded. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 238.14 points, or 0.49%, to close at 48,739.41. The 30-stock index snapped a three-day run of losses. The S&P 500 gained 0.78% and ended at 6,869.50, while the Nasdaq Composite moved 1.29% higher and settled at 22,807.48.  Technology stocks supported the broader market, particularly those in the chips space. Micron Technology and Advanced Micro Devices each advanced more than 5%. Broadcom and Nvidia climbed more than 1% apiece.  A couple of strong economic data releases bolstered sentiment among investors Wednesday.  SPI up 95 - Gold recovers - Trade numbers later — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    13 min
  6. 5D AGO

    End of Day Report – Wednesday 4 March: ASX 200 drops 176 with banks and resources sold down | Tech holds up

    Day 5 - The ASX 200 fell another 176 points to 8901 (1.9%) as resources and banks came under pressure. Asian regional markets went into full panic mode with Korea down 11%, its largest move since the GFC. It had been a tear for some weeks and has now come undone. Resources were under serious pressure from the off. BHP down 3.5% with FMG off 3.0% and the gold miners down but not quite out. NST down 2.5% and EVN off 4.7%. Lithium stocks dropped, LTR down 3.2% and PLS off 1.3%. Copper stocks also falling hard, SFR down 2.9% and CSC down 2.2%. BSL bucked the trend as management said it was happy to chat to SGH! Uranium stocks dipped with PDN down 7.6% and BOE falling 8.4%. Oil and gas stocks were slightly lower, STO down 0.4%, BPT dipping 0.9% and VEA off 1.9%. WDS rose 0.9%. Banks fell after safe haven status was revoked today. CBA down 1.2% and MQG falling 2.5% as the Big Bank Basket dropped to $ (%). ANZ a big casualty off %. Other financials also eased, with insurers sloppy. QBE down % and MFG seeing profit taking off %. Industrials were generally weaker, WES continued to fall, CSL lost another 1.6% with COH down 3.5%. QAN dipped 2.7% and retail stocks fell. FLT down 1.1% and JBH off 1.7%. Tech managed to hold up with XRO up 2.0% and WTC flat. The All-Tech Index down 0.6%. In corporate news, EDV results underwhelmed off 3.5% and A1N jumped 4.4% as Kyle and Jackie seem to be heading for an expensive divorce! On the economic front, GDP came in slightly better than the RBA had forecast at 0.8%. China’s National People’s Congress in focus.  Asian markets crushed, Korea off around 12%, Japan fell 3.9%, HK off 3.0% and China down 1.4%.  10-year yields jump to 4.75% US Futures down DJ off 216 pts and Nasdaq down 200. — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    15 min
  7. 6D AGO

    End of Day Report – Tuesday 3 March: ASX 200 drops 124 as Middle East turns uglier | Banks hold steady

    The ASX 200 fell 124 points to 9077 (1.3%) as events in the Middle East started to catch up. Comments from Michele Bullock on rate rises didn’t help sentiment. Although the RBA is as in the dark as the rest of us in terms of implications. Across the board losses as resources saw profit taking, BHP fell 2.6% and RIO dropped 2.4%. Gold miners eased back after gains yesterday, leverage again being unwound. EVN down 4.5% and NEM off 2.0%. Rare earths and lithium fell hard, PLS dropped 6.8% and MIN off 6.1%. Oil and gas firmed, but not getting carried away. WDS up 0.8% and KAR up another 1.7%. Uranium stocks firmed too, PDN up 0.4% and coal better, WHC up 3.2% as coal prices spiked.  Banks eased back slightly with the Big Bank Basket up modestly to $302.82 (+0.2%). MQG dropped 1.7% but MFG soared 21.9% on the Barrenjoey deal and placement. Insurers slipped but REITs hit hard as bond yields rose. GMG down 2.4% and CHC off 2.2%. Healthcare stocks fell led by CSL down 1.4% and FPH down 1.5%. WES dipped 3.6% with retail stocks falling hard on rate rise fears plus higher petrol prices. JBH down 3.2% and APE fell 5.6%. Travel stocks remain on the nose, FLT down 1.8% and WEB falling 2.0%. Tech held up relatively well, WTC off only 2.3% and XRO down 1.4% with the All-Tech Index down 2.3%. In corporate news, TWE fell 1.7% despite the French billionaire increasing his stake. CSC fell 8.1% despite record revenue and EBITDA failing to meet expectations. 360 ditched despite a maiden annual profit. NEU sold down 8.8% on news Acadia has requested a re-examination of EU ruling. On the economic front, consumer confidence fell 3.1pts last week. Asian markets weaker, Japan fell 2.7%, HK off 0.1% and China up 0.2%. South Korea down 5.7%. It had a holiday yesterday! 10-year yields jump to 4.76% US Futures down DJ off 317 pts and Nasdaq down 275. — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    16 min

About

A twice-daily podcast from the Marcus Today team for self-directed investors. Published every weekday before the ASX open and after the close (AEST), these short updates cover what's moving markets, key developments overnight, and the themes shaping the trading day. Clear. Practical. No noise.

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