CommSec Market Update

Market Close 02 Apr 26: ASX rattled as war escalates

Aussie shares tumbled on Thursday as President Trump's hawkish speech on Iran rattled global markets, reversing Wednesday's strong gains. The ASX 200 fell sharply, with energy stocks initially rising on oil price spikes before reversing. Defensive sectors like consumer staples and utilities outperformed as investors sought safety amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Markets will be closed for the Easter long weekend, with the US market reopening Monday, setting up a potentially volatile Tuesday session for Australian investors. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning Report 02 Apr 26: Markets rise ahead of Trump’s prime-time address

Markets rose on optimism that the war could soon come to an end, lifting risk appetite and pushing most commodities and the Australian dollar higher. Attention is also turning to the latest market acronym, HALO, but what’s behind it? James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market Close 01 Apr 26: Best day in months for Aussie stocks

The Australian share market staged a dramatic rebound on Wednesday, surging over 2% in its strongest session in almost a year as optimism grew around potential de-escalation in the Iran conflict. The S&P/ASX 200 climbed to a two-week high, with gold miners leading the charge after a brutal March, while tech stocks and materials also rebounded strongly. The rally followed comments from US President Trump suggesting the conflict could end within weeks, sparking a 3% surge on Wall Street overnight. Investors also shrugged off concerns about potential fuel restrictions ahead of the Easter break, with most sectors advancing and only utilities in the red. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning Report 01 Apr 26: Markets soar on hopes war will soon end

Markets have surged on hopes the war could soon end, with encouraging signs emerging from both Donald Trump and Iran. It marks a positive end to what has otherwise been a brutal month for investors. James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec takes you through all the key numbers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market Close 31 Mar 26: Worst month for Aussie market since 2022

While the index clawed back from morning lows following reports of potential de-escalation in the Middle East, it wasn't enough to mask a shocker of a month for the ASX. March saw the benchmark plunge nearly 8%, marking its steepest monthly decline since June 2022. Energy was the runaway winner, surging 20% on record oil disruptions, while Materials and Gold miners faced their worst sell-offs in over a decade. Domestic news added to the heavy mood, with consumer confidence hitting a 50-year record low as petrol prices breached $2.50 per litre. Meanwhile, the RBA announced a landmark ban on most card surcharges starting October, and ARN Media shares cratered 17% following a high-profile legal claim from Jackie O. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.