Market update: 11 August 2026
Australian shares had a standout week, with the ASX 200 rising 3.2% to finish at a record high of 9,264 points. 9 of the 11 market sectors gained ground, led by Technology (+8.4%), Materials (+7.5%) and Healthcare (+5.0%). Improving global sentiment, lower bond yields and optimism ahead of August reporting season helped support the rally. This week, attention turns to company results and the RBA meeting, particularly after the market’s rapid move higher.
US markets also bounced strongly, with the S&P 500 gaining 3.6% for its best week since April, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 5.2%. Falling oil prices helped lift sentiment, with WTI crude dropping 9.1% as concerns around Middle East tensions eased. At the same time, weaker US employment data added to expectations that the Federal Reserve could have more reason to lower interest rates.
European markets strengthened as lower oil prices and easing Middle East tensions improved investor confidence. Better-than-expected German factory orders provided another positive signal, although softer Eurozone retail sales showed that the region’s economic picture remains mixed. In Japan, the Nikkei gained 1.9%, recovering from early weakness as global technology shares rallied and oil prices fell. Bank of Japan commentary also kept the outlook for gradually shifting interest rate policy in focus.
Markets in China and Hong Kong were more mixed. The Shanghai Composite gained 2.8%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.8%. Disappointing manufacturing data and some profit-taking in semiconductor shares weighed on sentiment early in the week, before a rebound in AI and chip stocks and stronger-than-expected export data.
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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.
The information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on such information, you should conduct your own review or consult a financial advisor before making a decision to invest. Please read the relevant PDS and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. In accordance with the Design and Distributions Obligations, we maintain TMDs for our Funds. All documents can be found on the Raiz website www.raizinvest.com.au, or calling the Customer Support team on 1300 754 748. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator or guarantee of future performance. Historical returns, forecasts, and market commentary are provided for general informational purposes only. All investment carries risk and may result in loss of capital.
