Market update: 1 September 2026
Australian shares edged higher this week, with the ASX 200 gaining 0.4% as strength in US technology stocks flowed through to the local market. Seven of the eleven sectors finished higher, led by technology, while real estate lagged as the residential market slowed. Australian inflation also came in hotter than expected in July, increasing expectations of another RBA rate rise this year. Reporting season remained an important driver, with investors reacting strongly to company results that came in above or below expectations.
In the US, markets steadied, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones both gaining 0.5%, while the Nasdaq rose 0.8%. NVIDIA was a major driver after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings and 106% revenue growth, helping lift technology shares. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh struck a hawkish tone at Jackson Hole, reinforcing the Fed’s commitment to its 2% inflation target and keeping the possibility of further interest rate rises on the table.
European shares were broadly flat as falling oil prices and strong AI-related earnings helped offset weaker economic data from France. Japanese shares recovered some of the previous week’s losses, with the Nikkei gaining 0.6% as lower oil prices and strength in semiconductor stocks supported the market. Tokyo’s core inflation came in at 1.8% annually, in line with expectations.
Chinese markets were mixed, with the Shanghai Composite rising 1.2% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.6%. Hong Kong shares were weighed down by Alibaba’s US$10.2 billion share placement, although NVIDIA’s strong results later provided a boost to AI-related hardware stocks. By the end of the week, investors were becoming more selective about AI companies, with greater attention on how investment in the technology could translate into earnings.
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This blog has been issued by Instreet Investment Limited (ACN 128 813 016 AFSL 434776) as Responsible Entity of the Raiz Invest Australia Fund (ARSN 607 533 022) and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on such information, you should
This blog has been issued by Instreet Investment Limited (ACN 128 813 016 AFSL 434776) as Responsible Entity of the Raiz Invest Australia Fund (ARSN 607 533 022).
Raiz Invest Australia Limited (ABN 26 604 402 815) (Corporate Authorised Representative of Instreet Investment Limited ABN 44 128 813 016, AFSL 434776) is the promoter of Raiz Invest Super, a Division of AMG Super. The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Member Guide and Target Market Determination (TMD) are issued by Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited (AFSL 229757, RSE Licence No L0001458) as Trustee of AMG Super.
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