SHARESIES · MARKET MOVEMENTS · 17 AUGUST 2026
Jacki Neumann, Head of Capital Markets at Sharesies

Note: Filmed Monday 17 August

↑ WHAT’S UP — US markets saw slight gains, with the S&P 500 up 0.4% and the Nasdaq up 0.2%, while the NZX 50 added 0.2%. Super Micro jumped 19% on an earnings beat and upbeat guidance, and Commonwealth Bank posted a record annual cash profit of $10.98 billion, up 7%.

↓ WHAT'S DOWN — The ASX 200 fell 1.6%, dragged by financials: Westpac lost almost 6% after a 20% drop in mortgage applications, while Suncorp's and IAG's profits fell 44% and 25% respectively. In the US, solid numbers didn't prevent declines, with RocketLab down about 7%, Cisco 5% and AST SpaceMobile 4% despite reporting record or fast-growing revenue.

! BIGGEST SURPRISES — The RBA held at 4.35% but Governor Bullock struck a hawkish tone, refusing to rule out further hikes on inflation concerns. In contrast, US core CPI eased to a multi-year low of 2.5% and core PPI slowed to 4.2%, cutting the odds of a September Fed hike to 28%.

◎ WHAT TO WATCH — Australian earnings ramp up, with NAB's update rounding out the big four banks and results due from JB Hi-Fi, BHP, Fortescue, CSL and Cochlear among others. The FOMC's July minutes land Wednesday and Australia's July unemployment rate follows on Thursday.

◈ BIGGER PICTURE — Australian bank earnings showed resilience but growing exposure to a cooling housing market. In the US, AI and space infrastructure investments stalled despite strong revenue growth, with investors zeroing in on losses, margins, and execution risks. Meanwhile, a hawkish RBA is still weighing hikes just as softening US inflation nudges the Fed the other way.

Disclaimer:

Sharesies Market Movements is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand.

This video is general market commentary and educational in nature. It is not financial advice and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Information is current at the time of recording and may be subject to change. We do not provide recommendations and nothing in this video should be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product.

Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

If you require personal financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions, including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers, are available on our relevant Australian or NZ website.