The Australian share market is expected to test its recent highs, tracking the strong performance of global markets.
As of 8:30 am AEST, the ASX SPI 200 futures index rose by 0.56%, or 45 points.
This follows solid performances across major US indices, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.7%, the Dow Jones up 0.6%, and the Nasdaq up 1%, all finishing near their best levels.
In stock-specific news, Microsoft announced plans to cut 650 jobs within its Xbox division as part of cost-cutting measures.
Elsewhere, Amazon is set to invest an additional US$2.1 billion to boost delivery driver pay and training, aimed at mitigating the risk of strikes.
Sentiment buoyed
Investor sentiment was buoyed by the latest US producer price data, which came in line with expectations, alleviating concerns about inflationary pressures.
The data reinforced speculation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
Investor confidence is growing in a 50-basis-point rate cut, with market odds now sitting at 28%, compared to 14% a day earlier.
The market is also pricing in over 100 basis points of rate cuts by the end of January 2025.
ECB cuts rates
There was optimism in Europe, too, where the European Central Bank (ECB) cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 3.5%, in an attempt to combat sluggish growth – another signal of global monetary easing in response to economic headwinds.
Gold prices surged overnight to a new all-time high, reaching US$2,558 per ounce as concerns over global growth and inflation persisted.
The rally in safe-haven assets reflects growing market caution, with investors increasingly turning to gold amidst global uncertainty.
Putin speaks, nickel rises
Nickel stocks were impacted by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments on the commodity's strategic importance.
Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow should consider limiting exports on uranium, titanium and nickel in retaliation for Western sanctions, causing Sprott's Nickel Miners ETF to rally 3.5% yesterday and gain another 5.6% overnight.
China’s economic slowdown continues to weigh on global sentiment, with Chinese equities falling to their lowest levels since January 2019.
Slower-than-expected growth in Chinese corporate earnings and the economy has dampened investor confidence. This softening demand out of the Asian giant saw crude imports slump 3.1% year-on-year in first eight months of 2024.
Meanwhile, iron ore prices dropped to their lowest point in nearly two years, raising concerns about the profitability of major mining companies.
What’s happening in small caps?
You can read about the following and more throughout the day on our website:
- Mako Gold Ltd (ASX:MKG) has delivered results from ongoing mapping and rock chip sampling program at the Komboro prospect on the company’s 90% owned flagship Napié Project in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC, OTC:ALTHF) has announced the execution of an offtake letter of intent between Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe and Altech Batteries GmbH.
- Antipa Minerals Ltd (ASX:AZY) has agreed binding terms for the sale of its 32% non-controlling interest in the Citadel Joint Venture Project to joint venture partner Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd for A$17 million.
- Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration has made an additional investment of A$690,360 in Sovereign Metals Ltd (ASX:SVM, OTC:SVMLF, AIM:SVML) through the issue of 1,290,392 shares.