Markets End the Week on a Positive Note as Wall St. Gains Offset Mixed Global Sessions

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Forex Market 

USD: Dollar Ends Week Firm as Nasdaq Gains; Focus Turns to U.S. Shutdown and Key PMIs

A positive end to the week saw the Nasdaq close +0.7%, the S&P 500 +0.3%, and the Dow Jones +0.1%. U.S. 10-year yields fell 2bps to 4.08%, while Brent Crude rose 0.4% to $64.75 per barrel. The AUD/USD traded in a narrow 0.65335–0.6560 range before closing the week at 0.6547.
  • Asia-Pacific: A mixed end to the week in Asian equities saw the Nikkei climb +2.1%, while the Shenzhen and Hang Seng fell -1.5% and -1.4%, respectively. The ASX finished flat, with modest energy gains offsetting weakness in utilities and discretionary sectors. AUD/USD opened near 0.6560 highs, drifting to 0.6534 lows by session close.
  • Europe: European equities edged lower in early trade, with the Stoxx, FTSE, and DAX down -0.3%. UK nationwide house prices rose +0.3% in October (vs. 0.0% forecast), while Eurozone CPI met expectations across most measures except core (2.4% y/y vs. 2.3% exp.). The euro and sterling held tight ranges near 1.1555 and 1.3125 lows. Little change followed into the London lunch session as GBP/USD slipped to 1.3115, while gold (-0.3%) and Brent (-0.3%) were steady around $4,000/oz and $64.80/bbl.
  • North America: Canadian GDP for August fell 0.3% MoM (+0.7% YoY), weaker than expected, pushing USD/CAD higher to 1.4034. The USD remained broadly firm, with EUR/USD touching 1.1522 lows and GBP/USD falling below 1.3100 for the first time since April. Chicago PMI printed stronger at 43.8 (vs. 42.0 exp.), supporting the dollar through the NY session. Wall Street was firmer early before trimming gains, with the Dow -0.2%, S&P flat, and Nasdaq +0.2%. European markets closed lower — FTSE and CAC -0.4%, DAX -0.7%. The USD stayed bid into late trade, with AUD/USD steady just above 0.6540.

Key Economic Data Ahead (Sydney Time)

General Market

Wall Street
  • Dow Jones +0.1% to 47,592
  • S&P 500 +0.3% to 6,841
  • Nasdaq +0.7% to 23,746
  • VIX +4.1% to 17.60
Asia-Pacific
  • ASX 0.0% to 8,882
  • Shanghai Comp -0.8% to 3,955
  • Nikkei +2.1% to 52,411
Europe
  • FTSE -0.4% to 9,717
  • DAX -0.7% to 23,958
  • CAC -0.4% to 8,121

Headlines to Watch 

United States
Stronger housing and manufacturing data offered support, though consumer confidence eased slightly in October.
Markets now turn attention to this week’s FOMC meeting and nonfarm payrolls for further direction.
Europe
Germany’s latest inflation and business sentiment readings showed gradual improvement, but demand remains sluggish.
The ECB’s upcoming commentary and wage growth data will be closely monitored for signs of easing policy pressure.
Asia-Pacific
China’s official manufacturing PMI unexpectedly contracted again, highlighting fragile demand conditions.
Meanwhile, Australia’s retail sales and inflation expectations will guide RBA outlook ahead of its next meeting.
Global
Risk sentiment stayed broadly positive as equity markets extended gains.
However, investors remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over global inflation trends.

Mid-market rates

Currency PairMid-market Rate
AUD/USD0.6542
AUD/NZD1.1438
AUD/JPY100.88
AUD/CNY4.6563
AUD/EUR0.5676
AUD/GBP0.4983
AUD/HKD5.0847

 

 

 

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