The week in equities, rates, currencies and commodities across Australia, the US, Europe, China and Japan. This week's leader: Nikkei 225 (+6.46% over 7 days).
| Region | Index | Level | Week | YTD | 12-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ASX 200 | 9082.20 | +0.68% | +4.22% | +3.76% |
| US | S&P 500 | 7592.40 | +3.25% | +10.91% | +12.69% |
| US | Nasdaq Composite | 25366.09 | +4.32% | +9.14% | +10.91% |
| US | Dow Jones | 52297.09 | +1.50% | +8.81% | +10.20% |
| Europe | FTSE 100 | 10863.10 | +0.75% | +9.38% | +9.60% |
| Europe | DAX | 26771.88 | +1.70% | +9.32% | +9.80% |
| Europe | CAC 40 | 8361.36 | +1.90% | +2.60% | +1.46% |
| Europe | Euro Stoxx 50 | 6398.98 | +2.69% | +10.40% | +10.57% |
| China | Shanghai Composite | 3632.46 | -0.46% | -8.48% | -9.85% |
| China | Hang Seng | 23649.68 | -3.40% | -7.73% | -12.64% |
| Japan | Nikkei 225 | 61142.35 | +6.46% | +21.46% | +19.23% |
Top 3 this week
- Nikkei 225 (Japan)+6.46%
- Nasdaq Composite (US)+4.32%
- S&P 500 (US)+3.25%
Worst 3 this week
- Hang Seng (China)-3.40%
- Shanghai Composite (China)-0.46%
- ASX 200 (Australia)+0.68%
Equity markets spent the week digesting the outcome of the US midterm elections, with investors weighing its implications for fiscal and trade policy in Washington. In Australia, sentiment stayed measured as markets kept a close eye on domestic economic data. Europe and Japan saw more subdued trading, while China remained under watch. Overall risk appetite looked cautious rather than exuberant, with investors awaiting clearer signals on the global monetary policy path before committing further.
The Reserve Bank of Australia remained in focus, its cash rate target and exchange rate commentary shaping local expectations. ABS data on inflation and GDP growth continue to feed the debate over the future direction of Australian monetary policy. Bond yields moved in step with these releases, while the Australian dollar and the euro stayed sensitive to shifting interest-rate differentials between regions. Commodities, including oil and gold, tracked this macro backdrop without any dramatic swings.
For a long-term Franco-Australian investor, the week is a reminder of the value of staying diversified across both geographies and asset classes rather than reacting to short-term political or data headlines. A balanced allocation across equities, bonds and currencies helps absorb shifts in sentiment without prompting hasty decisions. Patience and a well-structured approach to wealth remain the best companions in an environment still shaped by monetary and geopolitical uncertainty.
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.