AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
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IND
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RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- ASX200 set to open higher as optimism builds over global trade outlook
- Energy and commodities rally, lifting investor sentiment
- Multiple ASX-listed companies post updates amid sector-wide activity
The Australian share market looks poised for a brighter start to the trading week, with ASX200 futures pointing 16 points higher (+0.19%) as of 8:30 am AEST. Global sentiment has been buoyed by progress in US-China trade discussions and a modest recovery in commodity markets, laying a constructive tone for local equities.
Major US indices ended last week on a mixed note. The S&P 500 dipped slightly by 0.07% to 5,660, the Dow Jones lost 0.3% to finish at 41,249, while the Nasdaq Composite ended flat. For the week, the S&P declined 0.5%, the Dow eased 0.2%, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.3%, with investor sentiment remaining cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing trade dialogue.
Energy stocks were standouts in the US, rising 1.1% as oil prices rallied nearly 2%. In contrast, healthcare stocks pulled back by the same margin. Commodities broadly climbed, with Brent crude gaining 1.7% to US$63.91 a barrel and gold climbing 1.1% to US$3,344 an ounce. Iron ore prices edged up 0.3% to US$98.55 per tonne.
European markets also moved higher, led by Germany’s DAX which hit an all-time high. London’s FTSE 100 rose 0.3%, though it posted a weekly loss of 0.5%. Energy shares dominated gains, with reports suggesting that giants like Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil are assessing strategic acquisitions.
Locally, several small and mid-cap ASX stocks are drawing attention. (ASX:DNL) has announced the divestment of its Fertilisers Distribution unit to (ASX:RIC) for $375 million, with Ridley Corp also entering a trading halt pending a capital raise. Meanwhile, (ASX:FPR) reported a Q1 net profit of $38.9 million, aligning with guidance, and revealed a $25.3 million share buyback initiative.
Among broader sector movements, (ASX:TTT), a biotech firm, has appointed Herwig Janssen as Non-Executive Chairman as it aligns its board for near-term growth. In resources, (ASX:RML) and (ASX:FRB) have issued operational updates and test results, respectively, as they advance project milestones. (ASX:AND) raised $5 million via a share placement, and (ASX:EXR) updated its strategic roadmap under new leadership. Meanwhile, (ASX:EUR) shared promising assay results from rare earth drilling in Greenland.
Several companies are trading ex-dividend this week, attracting attention to potential opportunities in the space of ASX dividend stocks. Notably, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) and ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ) are among the major banks whose dividend dates fall this week.
The overall outlook for the S&P/ASX200 remains closely tied to global trade sentiment and commodity dynamics. Investors and market observers will be watching follow-up statements after the recent US-China meetings for further cues.
