Wall Street closed lower as Fed Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations for a September rate cut. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady despite pressure from President Trump, reinforcing a cautious stance amid resilient economic data. In corporate news, Microsoft and Meta both surged in after-hours trading following stronger-than-expected earnings results. In contrast, Freeport-McMoRan shares slid after the announcement of new copper tariffs. Meanwhile, jobs data surprised to the upside, highlighting ongoing strength in the U.S. labor market, and the U.S. dollar extended its rally for a fifth straight day. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open lower ahead of the release of retail spending figures.

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.

Wall Street closed lower as Fed Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations for a September rate cut. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady despite pressure from President Trump, reinforcing a cautious stance amid resilient economic data. In corporate news, Microsoft and Meta both surged in after-hours trading following stronger-than-expected earnings results. In contrast, Freeport-McMoRan shares slid after the announcement of new copper tariffs. Meanwhile, jobs data surprised to the upside, highlighting ongoing strength in the U.S. labor market, and the U.S. dollar extended its rally for a fifth straight day. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open lower ahead of the release of retail spending figures.
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.

CommSec Market Update is the podcast that will help you to stay ahead of the trends with daily expert commentary as the market opens and closes.  Whether you are invested in the stock market, or just looking to get started, join the team from Australia’s leading online broker and follow the changes as they happen.



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.

CommSec Market Update is the podcast that will help you to stay ahead of the trends with daily expert commentary as the market opens and closes.  Whether you are invested in the stock market, or just looking to get started, join the team from Australia’s leading online broker and follow the changes as they happen.
 
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.

Insights, interviews and the latest news and information on investment markets from CommSec, Australia's leading online broker.

CommSec Market Update

Morning Report 31 Jul 25: Wall Street slumps on Fed caution

The Aussie market closed out a turbulent week with a muted session on Friday as investors took a breather after a volatile week dominated by Middle East tensions. The ASX 200 ended down 0.1%, with the materials sector dragged lower by a 6% fall in gold miners, while financials gained 1% ahead of next week's RBA interest rate decision. Northern Star plummeted 18% after cutting production guidance, and BHP fell amid an ongoing iron ore contract dispute with China. Energy stocks were the week's sole gainers, up 2.5%, as the broader market heads for its first monthly loss in three months.

Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explains 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.

The Aussie market closed out a turbulent week with a muted session on Friday as investors took a breather after a volatile week dominated by Middle East tensions. The ASX 200 ended down 0.1%, with the materials sector dragged lower by a 6% fall in gold miners, while financials gained 1% ahead of next week's RBA interest rate decision. Northern Star plummeted 18% after cutting production guidance, and BHP fell amid an ongoing iron ore contract dispute with China. Energy stocks were the week's sole gainers, up 2.5%, as the broader market heads for its first monthly loss in three months.
Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explains 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.

Market Close 13 Mar 26: Banks help steady market amid rate hike speculation

Oil markets remain in focus with prices above US$100 a barrel as attacks on oil tankers in the Middle East ramp up. Stocks were in the red across the US and Europe, and after losses on the Aussie market yesterday the ASX looks set to extend the slide. Meanwhile, US bond yields also soared as inflation fears further dent rate-cut expectations.

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.

Oil markets remain in focus with prices above US$100 a barrel as attacks on oil tankers in the Middle East ramp up. Stocks were in the red across the US and Europe, and after losses on the Aussie market yesterday the ASX looks set to extend the slide. Meanwhile, US bond yields also soared as inflation fears further dent rate-cut expectations.
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.

Morning Report 13 Mar 26: Oil soars again, ASX to slip

The Australian share market fell sharply today, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, with the ASX 200 dropping 1.3%. Energy stocks gained strongly on surging oil prices, while tech and real estate sectors led the broader market decline. Investors are also bracing for a potential RBA rate hike next week, adding to market uncertainty. Key company updates included Collins Foods' European expansion and Alcoa's broker upgrade, while Liontown fell despite strong revenue growth.

Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explains 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.

The Australian share market fell sharply today, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, with the ASX 200 dropping 1.3%. Energy stocks gained strongly on surging oil prices, while tech and real estate sectors led the broader market decline. Investors are also bracing for a potential RBA rate hike next week, adding to market uncertainty. Key company updates included Collins Foods' European expansion and Alcoa's broker upgrade, while Liontown fell despite strong revenue growth.
Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explains 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.

Morning Report 31 Jul 25: Wall Street slumps on Fed caution

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