Global markets had a mixed week, driven by key economic data and shifting rate cut expectations. The ASX 200 managed a 0.5% gain, supported by cooling core inflation.
In Australia, the ASX 200 advanced as investors responded positively to core inflation data, which dropped to 3.2% in November from 3.5%. Job vacancies also rose for the first time in two years, bolstering the market’s view that the RBA could cut rates as early as February.
It’s been a busy week in the markets, and as we close out the year, there’s plenty to unpack. The S&P 500 jumped 1.3%, the Nasdaq climbed nearly 2%, and the Dow Jones gained 0.8%. It’s a promising setup, but the Australian dollar has had a tough run, down nearly 9% against the US dollar this year. That weaker Aussie dollar could complicate things for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), as it may keep inflation a little too high for comfort.
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Global markets mostly fell this week as investors took profits ahead of a likely interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve next week. While inflation data met expectations and central banks made rate changes, disappointment over China’s lack of fresh economic stimulus left many markets cautious.
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The ASX 200 ended the week slightly down, dipping 0.2%, as investors navigated mixed economic signals. Strong October retail sales (+0.6% Month on Month) early in the week suggested rates might stay on hold longer. However, weaker-than-expected Q3 GDP growth of just 0.3% brought forward market expectations of an RBA rate cut to April. The Australian dollar saw some recovery alongside busy trading activity driven by block trades.
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With the holiday season upon us, many families are busier than ever with plans, gift-giving, and thinking about the year ahead. During this festive time, many women are naturally thinking about family wellbeing and financial security. And while managing money is a shared effort, women often bring a unique perspective and practical approach to family finances. If you’re already handling the budgeting or planning for future goals, this Christmas could be the perfect time to take the next step toward investing. The Raiz app offers an easy, accessible way to build a growing financial future that benefits everyone in the family.
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The ASX 200 had a steady week, rising 0.5% and setting two record highs early on. Markets cooled slightly towards the end of the week as economists pushed their forecast for the first RBA rate cut from February to May. This shift followed a core CPI reading that climbed to 3.5% year on year, up from 3.2%, keeping inflation at the forefront of the RBA’s concerns. The Australian dollar also saw some action, recovering to US65.12c after dropping to a four-month low earlier in the week.
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The ASX 200 had a solid week, rising 1.3% as 8 of the 11 sectors posted gains. Energy stocks led the charge, jumping 4.3%, thanks to rising oil prices driven by renewed Russia-Ukraine tensions. Local markets also saw some excitement with Cuscal Limited’s A$337m IPO—the biggest ASX Financial sector listing since 2021—and Digital Infrastructure REIT raising A$2.0bn ahead of its December trading debut.
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Global markets experienced a pullback this week as investor optimism following the U.S. election took a pause. In Australia, the ASX 200 ended the week down 0.1%, reflecting a mixed performance. The index started the week lower as China’s latest stimulus measures underwhelmed expectations and declining commodity prices weighed on the market. However, an intraday rebound mid-week followed the release of wage price index data, which showed annual wage growth slowing to 3.5% in the September quarter—the lowest since early last year. This data prompted money markets to push out the timing of the first RBA rate cut to September 2025.
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Global markets showed resilience this week, buoyed by easing election uncertainty in the U.S. and positive economic data. The ASX 200 rose 2.2%, with 9 out of 11 sectors posting gains, led by Technology (+5.8%), Industrials (+3.7%), and Financials (+3.6%). The Reserve Bank of Australia kept rates steady at 4.35% in light of high underlying inflation. RBA Governor Bullock noted that the market’s expectations of rate cuts beginning in mid-2025 are generally in line with current economic indicators.
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The ASX 200 faced a challenging week, closing 1.1% lower at its weakest level in seven weeks. Losses were broad, with only Technology (+2.5%) and Materials (+0.4%) sectors managing gains. As Australia tracked global selloffs ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting and the presidential election, expectations for the Reserve Bank of Australia’s first rate cut were pushed further out, now anticipated in July next year. This follows quarterly CPI data showing core inflation rose 0.8%, exceeding forecasts of 0.7%.
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