Economic news

UK growth slows in Q3, weighing on the pound as it attempts to recover some ground against the dollar

Australian labour market and wage data to reveal job growth resilience, shaping RBA rate cut expectations and impacting AUD amidst global economic shifts.

The FOMC cut interest rates by 25 basis points at its November meeting, aligning with expectations. Wall Street hit record highs following the decision, with tech stocks leading the rally. Markets are pricing in a probable December cut amid resilient economic indicators.

Both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are expected to cut rates further when they meet later this week.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep its cash rate on hold at 4.35% when it announces its policy decision at 2.30PM on the 5th of November, 2024. Despite ongoing evidence of soft demand, upside risks to inflation are likely to remain the central bank’s primary concern.

UK assets trade with caution ahead of the UK Autumn Budget unveiled on October 30.

As the US elections get closer we look at how Trump’s tariff plans could affect markets.

The US earnings season has started on a positive note, with major banks exceeding expectations and boosting market sentiment.Key themes for the sector include investments in artificial intelligence, capital expenditure returns, and consumer trends in advertising and e-commerce. The S&P 500 continues to climb, driven by strong earnings, resilient economic growth, and the potential for interest rate cuts. Keep an eye on significant support and resistance levels as the market tests new record highs.

Australia's labour market remained stable in September 2024, with the unemployment rate forecast to hold at 4.2%, supported by a 25,200 person rise in employment. Despite the economy teetering on the edge of recession, strong hiring trends persist, challenging market economists' predictions.

Earnings growth across the S&P 500 is expected to be modest in Q3, with a projected 4.2% increase in EPS, down from 7.8% in the previous quarter. Information technology, health care, and communication services are poised to drive growth, particularly IT with a forecasted 15% year-over-year EPS increase.