Between the Bells

Wall Street closed mixed to start the new quarter as investors rotated out of tech stocks to start the new quarter. The Dow Jones rose 0.91%, the S&P 500 fell 0.11% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day down 0.82%. Investors are also weighing the latest developments with President Trump’s major tax and spending bill while assessing comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell around the rate outlook in the US.

In Europe overnight, markets closed mostly lower as investors monitored the European Central Bank’s annual forum in Portugal. The STOXX 600 fell 0.2%, Germany’s DAX lost 0.8%, the French CAC closed...

US equities brushed off the mid- session nerves as both the S&P500 and the Nasdaq reset the closing record highs, advancing 0.52% and 0.47% respectively, while the Dow Jones climbed 275 points or 0.63%. Gains followed the announcement that Canada revokes its digital service tax to facilitate trade negotiations with the US. And as President Donald Trump’s 90- day tariff postponement is scheduled to expire next week, investors are watching out for announcements of any trade deals between the US and its trading partners.  

European markets closed in the red. The German DAX down 0.51%, France’s CAC down 0.33%, the FTSE...

Wall Street closed higher on Friday as investors looked past President Trump’s latest swipe at Canada. The S&P500 rose 0.52% to close at a fresh record high while the Dow Jones added 1% and the Nasdaq ended the day up also 0.52% and also to a fresh record high. On Friday President Trump posted on truth social, his social media platform, that talks between the U.S. and Canada were being terminated. Investors remain confused about the global tariff situation amid the looming July 9 tariff delay deadline, but pushed stocks higher on Friday on reports that the U.S. is cl...

Markets remained volatile this week as global indices pushed toward record highs despite geopolitical tensions and the looming end of the tariff pause on July 9. Gold briefly lost ground as ceasefire hopes between Israel and Iran settled nerves, but upside risks remain. Meanwhile, Bell Potter’s latest Analyst Outlook & Stock Picks report highlights opportunities in agriculture, tech, healthcare and gold. Discover their standouts, each backed by strong fundamentals and sector-specific tailwinds.

In this week’s wrap, Sophia covers:

Wall Street closed mixed on Wednesday as investors await clarity on ceasefire reports out of Iran and Israel. The S&P 500 was little changed, the Nasdaq added 0.31% and the Dow Jones ended the day down 0.25%.

Investors bought into the some of magnificent 7 overnight sending Nvidia shares up 4.3% to a fresh record high while Alphabet added 2.3%.

In Europe overnight, markets closed lower despite a strong rally for defence stocks amid uncertainty over the Middle East war. The STOXX600 fell 0.7%, Germany’s DAX dropped 0.6%, the French CAC lost 0.8%, and in the UK, the FTSE100 ended the day do...

Wall St closed higher on Tuesday as investors hold onto hopes of a ceasefire in the Middle East. The Dow Jones rose 1.2%, the S&P500 added 1.11% and the Nasdaq ended the day up 1.43%.

While President Trump reported on Tuesday morning that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been agreed upon, reports then followed that Iran has not agreed to a ceasefire thus sparking fears of prolonged tensions. Despite this confusion, markets still rallied, and energy stocks plummeted amid the dive in the price of oil overnight.

In Europe overnight, global hopes of a ceasefire...

Wall Street started the new trading week with a surprising but welcome rally as investors welcomed the delayed reaction by Iran to the U.S. launching an attack on its nuclear facilities over the weekend. Oil prices tumbled overnight as investors now bet the impact of the Middle East war won’t be as great as was first expected on global oil supply from the region. The S&P500 rose 0.96% on Monday, the Dow Jones gained 0.89% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day up 0.94%.

In Europe overnight markets extended their losing run to close lower as investors in...

Wall Street ended Friday’s session mixed as investors remained concerned about escalating tensions in the Middle East. The S&P500 fell 0.22%, the Dow Jones rose 0.08%, and the Nasdaq ended the day down 0.51%. Chip stocks came under pressure on Friday on reports that the U.S. may revoke some wavers placed on tariffs for chip stocks, leading to Nvidia shares dropping 1% on Friday.

In Europe on Friday markets closed mostly higher for the session but lower across markets for the week amid escalating tensions on a global geopolitical scale. The STOXX 600 rose 0.1% on Friday, Germany’s DAX adde...

Rising Middle East tensions pushed oil prices up over 10% this week, boosting local energy stocks while leaving broader markets lacking direction. Retailers continued to struggle amid soft consumer spending and delayed rate cuts, with Cettire (ASX:CTT), Accent Group (ASX:AX1) and KMD(ASX:KMD) Brands issuing cautious updates. Iron ore miners also remain under pressure as China’s mixed recovery continues to cloud the outlook.

In this week’s wrap, Grady covers:

Wall Street closed mixed on Wednesday after the US Federal Reserve’s latest policy update kept the US interest rate steady with Chair Jerome Powell signalling it would wait to see the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on inflation before proceeding with rate cuts. The Dow Jones fell 0.1%, the S&P 500 slipped just 0.03% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day up 0.13%.

In Europe overnight, markets in the region closed mostly lower as investors continue to monitor the latest developments in the Middle East. The STOXX 600 fell 0.34%, Germany’s DAX and the French CAC each lost 0.4% and the FT...

Wall Street closed lower across the major averages on Tuesday as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, hitting a 5th day of attacks between Iran and Israel. The Dow Jones lost 0.7%, the S&P500 fell 0.84% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day down 0.91%.

President Trump took to Truth Social, his social media platform, demanding ‘unconditional surrender’ from Iran’s leader as he departed the G7 conference early to deal with the situation in the Middle East.

In Europe overnight, markets in the region fell as the Israel-Iran conflict continues. The STOXX 600 fell 0.8%, Germany’s DAX lo...

US equities rallied overnight off the back of optimism that the Israel and Iran conflict will be contained. The Dow Jones gained 300 points or 0.75%, the S&P500 gained 0.94% and the tech- heavy Nasdaq advanced 1.52%. Following Israel’s strike on Iran on Friday, the market took comfort in the fact that this wouldn’t escalate on Monday, after Iran reportedly spoke with several countries to pressure for an immediate ceasefire.

European equities also rallied with all markets closing in the green. The German DAX and France’s CAC both up 0.8%, the FTSE100 up 0.3% and the STOXX600 index up 0.36%.Locall...

Escalation of attacks between Iran and Israel hit global markets on Friday.

Wall Street closed lower as investors assessed the worsening tensions in the Middle East with the S&P500 dropping1.13%, while the Dow Jones lost 1.8% and the tech heavy Nasdaq ended the day down 1.3%. Oil and defensive stocks rose on Friday amid the rising price of oil due to Middle East tensions and as investors buy into the defence sector driven by rising geopolitical tensions.

In Europe on Friday markets closed in the red after Israel launched air strikes on Iran. The STOXX 600 fell 1...

Markets were stirred this week by fresh data revealing the impact of US tariffs, with China’s exports to the US plunging and deflationary pressures deepening. While a trade deal appears imminent, uncertainty lingers. In the US, softer than expected inflation figures helped ease pressure on the Fed for the moment. Meanwhile, Japanese business sentiment slipped into the red, while back home CBA soared to a world-first record high, triggering scrutiny over the influence of Aussie super funds on local markets. 

In this week’s wrap, Grady covers:

• (0:10): US-China trade talk amidst the release of economi...

Investors weighed inflation data as the consumer price index rose 0.1% in May from April, less than the 0.2% estimate from economists were expecting. Core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, also increased 0.1%, less than expected. All three major US benchmarks closed lower. The Dow Jones lost 1.1%, the S&P500 lost 0.27%, following a 3- day winning streak, while the Nasdaq closed down 0.5%.European markets were mixed as focus remains on the US - China trade discussions, which occurred this week in London. Germany’s DAX is down 0.16%, France’s CAC down 0.36%, the FTSE100 was in the green, up 0.13%, whil...

 Wall St rallied on Tuesday as investors focus on the outcome of US and China trade talks which entered a second day in London. The S&P500 gained 0.55% to post a third straight winning day while the Dow Jones added 0.25% and the Nasdaq ended the day up 0.63%. Investors are hoping a stable deal can be done, with some officials saying the negotiations are ‘going well and they expect the talks to continue all day again’.

In Europe overnight, markets closed mixed as investors brace for US – China trade updates. The STOXX 600 rose 0.08%, Germany’s DAX fell 0.58%, the Frenc...

Wall Street closed mostly higher on Monday as investor optimism remains elevated on hopes of trade talks progress between the U.S. and China. The S&P500 rose 0.09%, the Dow Jones fell just 1.1 points and the Nasdaq ended the day up 0.31%.

In Europe overnight, markets closed lower as investors awaited the outcome of talks between the U.S. and China in London. The STOXX 600 fell 0.08%, Germany’s DAX lost 0.54%, the French CAC dropped 0.17%, and, in the UK, the FTSE100 ended the day down 0.06%.

Across the Asia markets on Monday, it was a sea of green as...

Nuclear energy has become one of the key beneficiaries of the AI- driven spike in electricity demand from data centers. This week we saw Uranium stocks advance following Meta’s announcement of a 20-year nuclear facility agreement. Meta’s announcement follows similar nuclear power agreements from peers Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. 

 In this week’s wrap, Grady covers: 

US equities closed mixed overnight. The Dow Jones dropped 0.2%, ending at four day winning streak as lower than expected payroll data dragged down sentiment. The S&P500 and the Nasdaq however, both closed in the green, gaining 0.44% and 0.32% respectively.

European markets were all in the green with the STOXX600 up 0.47%.

Our local market rallied yesterday as the energy sector lead the market with strong gains. Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) and Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) were among the top performers.

Uranium stocks jumped at the open following news that one of the world’s bi...

Wall St tor on Tuesday as investors anticipate details on potential US trade deals will come to light very soon. AI stocks lead the gains with Nvidia up more than 3% at the sessions’ end. The S&P500 rose 0.58% on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq added 0.81% and the Dow Jones ended the day up 0.51%.

In Europe overnight, markets closed slightly higher after the eurozone inflation reading eased to a cooler-than-expected forecast 1.9% in May. The STOXX 600 rose 0.01%, Germany’s DAX added 0.64%, the French CAC climbed 0.33% and, in the UK, the FTSE100 ended the day up 0.13%.

Across the Asia regi...

Wall Street started the new trading week with all three major benchmarks closing in the green, despite the tensions in global trade. The Dow Jones gained 0.08%, the S&P500 up 0.41%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.67%. 

European markets closed mixed overnight as President Trump’s 50% steel tariffs inflate EU trade tensions. The STOXX600 closed 0.14% lower, the German DAX down 0.28%, France’s CAC down 0.19%, while the FTSE 100 was slightly higher up just 0.02%. 

Locally on Monday the ASX200 posted a 0.24% loss to start the new trading month lower, as energy and utility stocks weighed on market gains, while only 3 of the...

Wall Street closed mixed on Friday but posted strong gains across the key indices for the month of May as investors shrugged off Trump’s tariff turmoil and global trade uncertainty to send equities higher for the month. The S&P500 closed flat on Friday but gained 6.2% for the month, the Dow Jones rose 0.13% on Friday and 3.9% for the month, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day down 0.32% but posted a 9.6% surge for the month of May.

On Friday a trade deal between the U.S. and UK was reached, boosting investor optimism that more deals of th...

The ASX200 posted a 0.73% gain so far this week (Mon – Thurs), led by the technology and energy sectors amid the rising price of oil and growing investor appetite for growth stocks. 

In this week’s wrap, Grady covers:

US equities declined overnight with all three major benchmarks in the red. The Dow Jones declined 0.58%, the S&P500 down 0.56%, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.51%. S&P500 futures are on the rise after Nvidia posted earnings that beat expectations, its price advancing more than 4% in after-hours trading, so this may mean good news for tech investors today. Keep watch of ASX- listed AI stocks such as WiseTech (ASX:WTC), Xero (ASX:XRO) or NextDC (ASX:NXT).

European markets were also in the red, with the STOXX 600 closing 0.61% lower.

Locally yesterday, the ASX200 declined 0.13%. Financial and materials...

Wall St closed higher on the first trading session of the holiday shortened trading week as investors welcome the delay in tariffs on the EU announced on Monday. The Dow Jones rose 1.78%, the S&P500 climbed 2.05% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day up 2.47%. Tesla shares rose 7% on Tuesday after Elon Musk said he is shifting his focus away from politics and back into his companies, while AMC’s shares soared 22% after a record-breaking domestic box official over the Memorial Day long weekend that saw $326m spent at the movies over the highest holiday weekend ever.

In Eu...

Wall St was closed on Monday for the Memorial Day public holiday.

In Europe on Monday, markets closed higher as investors welcomed the delay of U.S. tariffs on the region until July. The STOXX 600 rose 1%, Germany’s DAX added 1.6%, the French CAC climbed 1.2%, and, in the UK, the FTSE100 was closed for a public holiday.

Across the Asia markets to start the week, markets closed mixed as investors digested Trump’s latest tariff move on the EU. South Korea’s Kospi index jumped 2% to its highest level since 2024, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.3...

Wall Street re-entered sell off mode on Friday after President Trump threatened tariffs on the EU, which on Saturday turned to reality with a 50% tariff announced on the region set to come into effect from June 1. The Dow Jones lost 0.61% on Friday, the S&P 500 fell 0.67% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day down 1%.

Apple shares fell 3% on Friday after Trump posted on Trump social that iPhones sold in the US must be made in the US and if they are not, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple.

In Europe on...

Investor sentiment remains upbeat as M&A activity accelerates, commodities shift gears as the big players look to diversify earnings, and key macro trends point to a busy second half of 2025.

In this week’s wrap, Grady Wulff covers: 

Wall Street closed lower for a second day on Wednesday as a spike in treasury yields prompted investors to sell equities on growing fears that a new US budget bill would place even more pressure on the country’s already large deficit. The S&P500 fell 1.61%, the Nasdaq lost 1.41% and the Dow Jones ended the day down 1.91%. 

Across the European region on Wednesday, markets closed mixed as hotter-than-expected inflation out of the UK and a slew of corporate earnings results weighed on investor sentiment. The STOXX 600 fell 0.3%, Germany’s DAX lost 0.2%, the French CAC slipped 0.3% and, in the U...

Wall Street closed lower on Tuesday as investors await clarification on the tariffs front following a strong rally in recent weeks. The S&P500 fell 0.4%, the Dow Jones lost 0.27% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day down 0.38%. The recovery rally since Trump announced negotiations were underway with China has seen the S&P500 rally more than 20% since hitting an April low, so investors have just pulled back on Tuesday in anticipation for further clarification on the tariffs front.

In Europe overnight, markets closed higher as strong corporate earnings results in the region boosted investor sentiment. The STOXX 600...

Wall Street ended the first trading session of the new week in positive territory as investors overlooked the latest moody credit rating downgrade on the U.S. on Friday, and instead favoured optimism from the trade negotiation progress with China. The S&P500 rose 0.09% to post a 6th straight winning day, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.02% and the Dow Jones ended the day up 0.32%. 

The debt downgrade on Friday pushed bond yields higher early on Monday before they retreated in afternoon trade hence sending equities higher to start the week.

Over in Europe on Monday markets i...

Wall Street closed higher again on Friday as investors overlooked disappointing consumer sentiment data and continued to welcome progress on the trade talk front between China and the U.S. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% on Friday and 5.3% for the week, the Nasdaq gained 0.52% on Friday and 7.2% for the week and the Dow Jones ended the day up 0.78% and rose 3.4% for the week. The latest consumer sentiment reading out on Friday showed investor sentiment fell to the second lowest Level on record in the latest reading while consumer prices are also expected to rise 7.3% over the next year, up from...

Investor optimism fuelled a strong start to the week following the announcement of a temporary 90-day trade agreement between the US and China. This positive sentiment propelled the ASX200 up 1.3% so far this week (Monday to Thursday), with gains in technology stocks overshadowing declines in the utilities, staples, and REIT sectors.

In this week’s wrap, Grady covers:

We’ve had a strong start to the week with the S&P500 and the Dow up more than 4% and 1% respectively, and the Nasdaq advancing more than 6% with investors embracing AI and mega caps. Overnight the major benchmarks closed mixed, the Dow 0.2% in the red, while the S&P500 up 0.1% and the Nasdaq up 0.7%. And the 10 year Government bond yield hit a 3 month high in the last session.

European markets were all lower with the STOXX600 down 0.24%. Locally yesterday, the ASX200 closed in the green with energy and information technology leading market gains.

What to...