The week in equities, rates, currencies and commodities across Australia, the US, Europe, China and Japan. This week's leader: Shanghai Composite (-1.24% over 7 days).
| Region | Index | Level | Week | YTD | 12-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ASX 200 | 8741.20 | -2.94% | +0.31% | -0.72% |
| US | S&P 500 | 7591.70 | -2.01% | +10.90% | +15.24% |
| US | Nasdaq Composite | 26081.72 | -1.89% | +12.22% | +18.32% |
| US | Dow Jones | 52064.10 | -3.02% | +8.32% | +12.92% |
| Europe | FTSE 100 | 10608.90 | -2.05% | +6.82% | +14.10% |
| Europe | DAX | 25361.15 | -2.63% | +3.56% | +6.99% |
| Europe | CAC 40 | 8116.76 | -1.96% | -0.40% | +3.75% |
| Europe | Euro Stoxx 50 | 6268.97 | -1.94% | +8.16% | +16.38% |
| China | Shanghai Composite | 3881.55 | -1.24% | -2.20% | +0.16% |
| China | Hang Seng | 24815.35 | -3.26% | -3.18% | -4.87% |
| Japan | Nikkei 225 | 64011.34 | -1.55% | +27.16% | +44.26% |
Top 3 this week
- Shanghai Composite (China)-1.24%
- Nikkei 225 (Japan)-1.55%
- Nasdaq Composite (US)-1.89%
Worst 3 this week
- Hang Seng (China)-3.26%
- Dow Jones (US)-3.02%
- ASX 200 (Australia)-2.94%
Equity markets navigated the week with a cautious yet broadly constructive tone. In Australia, attention centred on macro data from the ABS, which fed into expectations around the RBA's policy path, while Wall Street held up on continued strength in technology names. European sentiment remained measured, China showed gradual signs of stabilisation, and Japan traded more hesitantly, reflecting a risk appetite balanced between macro optimism and caution ahead of upcoming central-bank decisions.
On the rates front, the RBA remained in focus, with its cash rate stance continuing to shape bond expectations and the Australian dollar's behaviour. Inflation and growth figures from the ABS pointed to an economy stabilising without excess, a key input for the future rate trajectory. The euro and Australian dollar held broadly steady against major currencies, while gold and oil continued to reflect the tug-of-war between safe-haven demand and global growth prospects.
For a long-term investor bridging France and Australia, the week reinforces the value of staying diversified across both economies and the wider global landscape. Rather than reacting to short-term swings, the focus should remain on a well-structured portfolio that accounts for the differing cycles of the eurozone and Australia, letting underlying macro fundamentals guide a balanced, steady allocation over time.
This content is general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Index levels reflect the latest available close at the time this article was generated; the "Week" change covers the trailing 7 days, and YTD and 12-month changes are calculated from available daily closing prices.