The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

On this week’s Money & Investing, Mitch. In this episode, we review the end of the financial year and discuss the past six months across markets, key factors driving them, and what to expect moving forward.

We begin by comparing the Australian and US markets, noting the significant differences in performance. While the US market has seen remarkable gains, driven primarily by the “magnificent seven” stocks, the Australian market has shown modest growth.

Next, we analyse the impressive performance of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, highlighting key statistics such as the 21st best-ever run for the S&P 500 in the first half of the year. We discuss the impact of strong corporate earnings and the importance of understanding valuation metrics like the P/E ratio and the Sharpe ratio.

We also touch on the differences in central bank policies between the US and Australia, particularly in managing interest rates. Jerome Powell’s clear communication has provided certainty for US markets, while the Australian central bank’s approach has been less transparent, contributing to economic uncertainty.

The discussion moves to potential risks, including the narrow market breadth in the US, where a few stocks are driving most of the gains. We also consider the implications of the upcoming US election, possible interest rate cuts, and geopolitical tensions.

Finally, we emphasise the importance of risk management and protection strategies in investing. We explore the benefits of index investing and using options to protect portfolios, especially in volatile markets.

Join us for an insightful episode packed with valuable market insights and strategies to help you navigate the financial landscape. Make sure to take notes and take action to apply these lessons to your investing approach.

For more Info about Money and Investing you can go to the podcast at http://www.moneyandinvesting.com.au/; The Wealth Playbook: Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Security: https://www.wealthplaybook.com.au/, and The Wealth Playbook on Audible: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Wealth-Playbook-Audiobook/B0CXYYWZTB?qid=1711282387

Disclaimer: Wealth Magnet Pty Ltd (ABN 52 618 868 830) trading as Australian Investment Education is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR no. 1255231) of Grange Financial Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 488609).The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. For full disclaimer information, please click here.

More From The Market Online
Market Close Graphic

ASX Market Close: Aussie index snaps 3 day winning streak | January 23, 2025

The ASX200 closed down 0.61% at 8,378 points, snapping a three-day winning streak.
The Market Online Video

ASX Market Update: Aussie bourse falls despite strong lead from Wall Street | January 23, 2025

IT has been the best performing sector, up 0.35%, followed by Telecommunication, up 0.2%. Materials has…
Chess concept

The subject of a fumbled rollout and indirectly a lawsuit, ASX’s CHESS again in hot water

On December 20, 2024, the Australian Securities Exchange was unable to settle trades that Friday as part of the bourse’s two-day clearing system.
Coal

Coronado Global shares hike on production jump, but not enough to recapture COVID highs

Metallurgical coal producer Coronado Global Resources (ASX:CRN) has today jumped on a solid quarterly and news of impending production