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. 5h ago

    Pre-Market Report – Friday 19 June: US markets push higher ahead of long weekend - SPI down 51 - Gold down - BHP Jansen blowout

    U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, staging a comeback after the Federal Reserve indicated the possibility of a rate hike this year — a move that sparked a sell-off in equities during the previous session.  The S&P 500 added 1.08%, closing at 7,500.58, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.91% to 26,517.93. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 72.15 points, or 0.14%, to end at 51,564.70. Intel led chip stocks higher, rising 10.6% after President Donald Trump said the company will partner with Apple on designing chips in the U.S. Fellow semiconductor names such as Nvidia and Micron Technology were also higher by about 3% and almost 9%, respectively. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) jumped more than 6%. SPI down 51 - BHP costs blowout - Gold eases - US Holiday tonight 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
  2. 22h ago

    End of Day Report – Thursday 18 June: ASX 200 drops 55 - Banks and Big Miners under pressure - Oil off 2.5% US Futures up.

    The ASX 200 closed down 55 points at 8911 (0.6%), with the banks coming under some pressure and resources also slipping. CBA dropped 0.9%, WBC dropped 1.1%, but ANZ managed a small gain, along with MQG, which was again up on the day. The Big Bank Basket dropped to $269.97 (-0.75%). The rest of the financials were not faring so well, with ASX down 2.3% and HUB also down 2.3%, while ZIP fell slightly as well. The REIT sector also came under a little pressure again today, with GMG down 1.2% and SCG down 0.8%, while industrials were somewhat mixed as the tech sector continued to stumble lower. REA fell X0.6%, WTC dropped 3.4%, XRO lost 3.9%, and the All-Tech Index was down 0.5%. Retail eased slightly, although WES was up 0.3%, while both WOW and COL gained around 1%. Healthcare stocks were mixed, with CSL adding another 1.2%, but RMD fell hard on broker downgrades, down 3.8%. Meanwhile, in resources, we saw BHP slipped 0.8% on the iron ore price weakening, while RIO and FMG fell further. Gold miners were selectively under pressure, although gold in both Australian dollar and US dollar terms was slightly firmer. We had EVN down 1.9% and GMD up 0.3%, making for a mixed picture across the gold sector. Lithium and rare earth stocks fell back again today. PLS was down 3.0% and LYC fell 1.6%. We also saw selling in the oil and gas sector, with WDS down 1.2%and STO down 0.4%, while coal stocks eased back. In corporate news, CGF rallied slightly after its Fidante unit agreed to a merger with Channel Capital. SOL rose 0.8% after agreeing to sell its stake in Brickworks Property Trust to GMG. Elsewhere, EOS remained in a trading halt ahead of a material announcement involving a new defence contract. There was nothing special on the economic front. Citi estimates ANZ job listings fell 2.9% year-on-year in May, with Australia down 4.5%. Asian markets – China up 0.1% HK down 1.7% Japan up 1.7% Korea up 1.5% US Futures - Dow Jones up 248, Nasdaq up 339. Oil down 2.5% 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. 1d ago

    Pre-Market Report – Thursday 18 June: US Markets fall on Fed Day - Yikes! -Hikes! Yields rise - Gold slips SPI down 64

    US stock closed lower after the Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged and signaled the possibility of rate hikes this year. The S&P 500 fell 1.2% and the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1%, while the Dow lost 507 points from its record high. The Summary of Economic Projections from the Fed's June meeting showed that half of the FOMC members projected one rate hike or more this year, as underlying inflation gauges pointed to rising prices and employment data remained robust despite economic shocks stemming from the war in Iran. Chairman Warsh refrained from posting a dot in the projections, reflecting his intention to change the Fed's monetary framework. Magnificent Seven stocks led the losses amid the selloff in Treasuries, with Meta down 4.2%, Microsoft losing 3.6%, Alphabet shedding 2.4%, and Amazon dropping 3.1%. Chipmakers extended their rally, with Micron up 2.2%, Marvell gaining 3.9%, and Intel advancing 3.5%. SPI down 64 - Gold falls - Oil rises - Yields rise. 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. 1d ago

    End of Day Report – Wednesday 17 June:ASX 200 pushes 49pts higher as optimism continues - Banks ok - BHP ok - KAR crashes - Gold steady.

    The ASX 200 rallied another 49 points to 8966 as optimism continues on Fed and war outcomes. After a slow start, and despite iron ore falling, BHP managed a 0.6% rise as passive funds continue to flow into the Big Australian. RIO and FMG drifted lower. Gold miners continued their recovery despite bullion slipping a little, NST up 2.6% and EVN up 2.9%, with RRL doing very well. Lithium stocks also continued recovering, with LTR up 3.9% and PLS rallying 2.8%, while rare earth stocks were mildly positive. Oil and gas stocks fell as oil continued to be barrelled over, with WDS down 3.6% and STO off 1.2%. KAR dropped 13.4% on a production downgrade and oil price woes. Banks firmed, with CBA the standout, up 1.1%, and the Big Bank Basket rising to $271.99 (+0.6%). Other financials also did well, with insurers up on premium hike talks. MQG rose 1.2%, hitting an all-time high. REITs were also positive, led by GMG rallying 1.4% and SGP up 0.9%. Industrials were mixed, although improving risk sentiment helped. SGH rose 1.2% and ALL gained 3.1%, while healthcare was also better. CSL edged higher and RMD rose 0.6%. Tech stocks bounced hard, with WTC up 4.1% and XRO rallying 3.5%, taking the All-Tech Index up 1.8%. In corporate news, A1N rose 31.0% on a settlement with Kyle Sandilands. FLT took off , up 5.3% on a lifting of travel advisories despite earnings issues. SGM surged 1.8% following an earnings update. SYL rose 8.2% after agreeing to acquire 100% of Queensland-based Shamrock Civil in a $51 million upfront deal. On the economic front, there was nothing locally. Asian markets – China up 0.2% HK down 0.5% Japan up 0.7% Korea up 1% US Futures - Dow Jones up 21 Nasdaq up 201. 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
  5. 2d ago

    Pre-Market Report – Wednesday 17 June: US Markets mixed - SpaceX up nearly 5% - SPI down 31 - Fed in focus

    US equities closed mixed on Tuesday amid a pullback in AI-related stocks. The S&P 500 lost 0.6%, while the Nasdaq was down 1.2%. Investors took profits in semiconductor names after their recent rally, with Nvidia (-2.4%), Broadcom (-4.4%), Micron (-6.2%), AMD (-7.3%), and Intel (-8.5%) all posting losses. In contrast, SpaceX gained 4.8%, extending its advance since Friday's IPO, after reports that it would acquire Cursor for $60 billion. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones rose 328 points to a new high, supported by optimism surrounding the preliminary US-Iran agreement. Both countries are expected to sign the deal on Friday, with US officials stating that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Bond yields continued to ease as lower oil prices softened inflation concerns ahead of the Fed's expected rate hold on Wednesday, although Chairman Warsh is still expected to advocate changes to the monetary framework and a smaller balance sheet. JPMorgan rose 3.7%, while Visa gained 2.8%. SPI down 31 - Fed in focus - Yields fall - Oil drops over 5%. 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
  6. 2d ago

    End of Day Report – Tuesday 16 June: ASX 200 closes up 4 - Banks make comeback - RBA on hold - Gold miners better - Tech flops again - US markets not doing much.

    The ASX 200 staged a remarkable comeback (again) to finish up 4 points at 8,918 after falling nearly 100 points in early trade. Banks were under pressure from the off on broker downgrades but fought back with ANZ up 0.9% and the Big Bank Basket flat at $270.33(). The RBA held rates unchanged for a change, although warned further rises could not be ruled out as inflation remained the focus. Financials were generally better, MQG up 0.7% and ASX gaining 1.0%, with ZIP up 1.8%. REITs drifted lower, SCG down 0.8% and SGP off 2.5%. Industrials were weaker, WES fell 1.1% with ALL off 1.6%, and tech continued to stumble around in the dark. WTC fell 4.2% and XRO down 1.7%, with the All-Tech Index down 0.3%. Healthcare was mixed, CSL up 0.7%, with RMD slipping 1.3% and SIG continuing to bounce as it has walked away from Boots.  In resources, BHP was firm but uninspiring, FMG fell slightly, and gold miners were better again, with NST up 2.5% and EVN gaining 1.2%. Not much conviction behind the move, with rare earths falling, lithium stocks depressed, and uranium stocks mostly flat. Oil and gas stocks firmed, WDS up 2.0% and STO up 0.8%, with KAR tumbling 11.6% on a production downgrade. In corporate news, ALX unchanged on another rejection of the IFM bid. SXE roared 20% despite a placement at 400c to turbocharge growth opportunities. On the economic front, the RBA left rates unchanged. Warned again of inflation risks.  Asian markets – China down 0.4% HK down 1.6% -  Korea up 2.1%, Japan up 0.3%. US Futures - Dow Jones up 19 Nasdaq down 48. 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

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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