The week in equities, rates, currencies and commodities across Australia, the US, Europe, China and Japan. This week's leader: S&P 500 (+1.29% over 7 days).
| Region | Index | Level | Week | YTD | 12-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ASX 200 | 8660.90 | -0.24% | -0.61% | -3.44% |
| US | S&P 500 | 7765.36 | +1.29% | +13.44% | +15.30% |
| US | Nasdaq Composite | 27193.34 | +1.20% | +17.00% | +18.11% |
| US | Dow Jones | 51231.64 | +0.60% | +6.59% | +10.51% |
| Europe | FTSE 100 | 10441.60 | -0.19% | +5.14% | +9.80% |
| Europe | DAX | 24806.97 | -1.68% | +1.29% | +0.80% |
| Europe | CAC 40 | 7729.69 | -2.12% | -5.15% | -3.88% |
| Europe | Euro Stoxx 50 | 6126.73 | -1.79% | +5.70% | +8.91% |
| China | Shanghai Composite | 3815.08 | -0.71% | -3.87% | -3.02% |
| China | Hang Seng | 24158.63 | +0.78% | -5.74% | -9.70% |
| Japan | Nikkei 225 | 69030.92 | +1.06% | +37.13% | +42.10% |
Top 3 this week
- S&P 500 (US)+1.29%
- Nasdaq Composite (US)+1.20%
- Nikkei 225 (Japan)+1.06%
Worst 3 this week
- CAC 40 (Europe)-2.12%
- Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe)-1.79%
- DAX (Europe)-1.68%
Equity markets moved through a cautious week, with investors parsing the RBA's rate signals and the ABS's inflation and GDP releases to gauge the health of the Australian economy. In the US and Europe, risk appetite stayed measured amid mixed earnings expectations, while China and Japan traded without a clear direction. Ongoing debate about a possible slowdown, echoed across financial commentary, weighed on sentiment without triggering any broad-based sell-off.
On rates, attention centred on the RBA's cash rate decision and what Australia's inflation and growth data imply for the path ahead. Higher global bond yields continue to reshape relative asset appeal and, according to several commentators, are opening fresh opportunities in global bond markets. The Australian dollar and the euro remained sensitive to shifting rate expectations and currency flows, against a macro backdrop still clouded by uncertainty over growth and employment.
For a long-term investor with ties to both France and Australia, the week reinforces the case for staying diversified across the two markets, blending equities, bonds and currency exposure. Rather than reacting to short-term debates over growth or inflation, it remains sensible to hold a structured, patient approach, letting geographic and sector diversification absorb the market's near-term swings.
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.