US equities finished mixed as investors weighed fresh US sanctions on countries trading with Iran, with the Nasdaq underperforming while the Dow held onto gains. Treasury yields eased on hopes of expanded bond buybacks, and the US Dollar rebounded off recent lows. Oil slipped despite escalating Iran pressure, while gold pushed to fresh multi-month highs. Germany’s IFO survey and US consumer confidence are today’s focus.
📊 Equities
US stock markets were mixed in trading yesterday as investors continued to digest the latest developments in the Middle East, with the Trump administration announcing further sanctions targeting countries trading with Iran. The ongoing geopolitical uncertainty continued to keep traders cautious, although the impact across markets was relatively mixed.
US equities finished mixed, with the Dow Jones gaining 0.26% to 53,417, while the S&P 500 fell 0.28% to 7,652 and the Nasdaq declined 0.76% to 25,980. The underperformance from technology stocks helped weigh on the broader market, although the Dow remained in positive territory.
🛢️ Oil
Oil prices moved lower despite the latest escalation in US pressure on Iran. Brent crude fell 2.50% to $92.03 a barrel, while WTI declined 2.35% to $85.01.
🥇 Gold
Gold was once again one of the stronger performers, rising 1.06% to $4,651.27 an ounce as the precious metal continued to push higher and trade around fresh multi-month highs.
💵 FX & Bonds
US Treasury yields moved lower following another report suggesting the Treasury Department could look to increase its bond buyback programme further. The move provided some support to longer-dated bonds, with the 10-year yield falling 3.8 basis points to 4.696%, while the 2-year yield edged 0.4 basis points lower to 4.231%. The US Dollar pushed higher off recent lows, gaining 0.19% to 98.99.
| Market | Change | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones | +0.26% | 53,417 |
| S&P 500 | -0.28% | 7,652 |
| Nasdaq | -0.76% | 25,980 |
| US Dollar Index (USD) | +0.19% | 98.99 |
| US Treasury 2Y | -0.4 bps | 4.231% |
| US Treasury 10Y | -3.8 bps | 4.696% |
| Brent Crude | -2.50% | $92.03 |
| WTI Crude | -2.35% | $85.01 |
| Gold | +1.06% | $4,651.27 |
📌 Today’s Focus
Today’s calendar (AEST) includes Germany’s IFO Business Climate data in the European session, followed by US CB Consumer Confidence data in the US session.
🔹 European Session – 6.00 pm – Germany – IFO Business Climate Data
🔹 US Session – 12.00 am – US – CB Consumer Confidence Data