AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
As of 8:30 am AEST, ASX 200 futures are trading 17 points higher, up 0.21%.
In the US, major benchmarks ended higher, fueled by a rally in chip stocks. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that a rate cut 'could be' on the table at the next meeting. Meanwhile, gold prices surged due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Microsoft (MSFT) shares dipped following mixed Q4 results and a significant capex outlook, and Eurozone inflation unexpectedly rose.
OVERNIGHT MARKETS:
Major US benchmarks finished higher but closed slightly below session highs. The tech sector was a key focus, driven by several factors: positive earnings reports, Microsoft's (MSFT) missed Azure growth expectations balanced by a forecasted reacceleration in the second half, aggressive capex viewed positively for semiconductor stocks, and a Reuters report on a new US rule exempting key allies from restrictions on foreign chip equipment exports to China.
More than 55% of S&P 500 companies have now reported Q2 earnings, with growth rates at 10.2% and over 78% of companies beating consensus expectations. US 2-year Treasury yields fell below 4.30% for the first time since February, with the 10-year yield dropping below 4.10%. Brent crude broke a three-day losing streak, rising 3.8% on heightened Middle East tensions. Gold prices are within 1% of all-time highs, spurred by Powell's remarks and geopolitical tensions.
ASX TODAY
ARN Media and Southern Cross Media's merger was blocked by Kerry Stokes (The Aus). Experience Co (ASX:EXP) reported an unaudited Q4 underlying EBITDA of $2.4 million, down from $3.2 million a year ago, due to disruptions including unfavorable weather conditions across Australia. Poseidon Nickel (ASX:POS) reported Q2 results after hours, flagging $1.4 million in cash or less than one estimated quarter of funding available, and is currently running processes to raise funds. Westpac (ASX:WBC) is reportedly looking to divest its retail auto loan back book (The Aus).
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY
The ASX is set for another strong session. Overnight, ETFs like Copper Miners, Uranium, and Gold rallied. Many local stocks had already moved on Wednesday (e.g., Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) +4.0%, Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) +3.0%, and Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) +1.4%). Despite this, the strong overnight lead should still generate positive flows for these sectors, particularly for gold.
It's expected to be a quiet morning after the market saw a significant influx of announcements yesterday, the last day for quarterly reports. Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) rose 2.4% on Wednesday following a strong operational first-half result. The dividend was slightly below expectations (177UScps vs. 179UScps), but other financial metrics met or exceeded consensus. Watch for potential 'day two' buying in Rio Tinto.
