US stock markets pushed higher yesterday, led once again by technology shares as investors positioned for more key earnings updates and a busy few days of central bank rate decisions. Treasury yields and the US dollar also advanced ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve announcement. Oil prices eased from recent highs as traders weighed the prospect of fresh Middle East peace talks, while gold bounced back above the key $4,000 level. US Durable Goods and Consumer Confidence data are the main scheduled releases today, although geopolitical headlines are expected to remain a major driver of sentiment.
📊 Equities
US stock markets pushed higher in trading yesterday, with technology stocks once again leading the charge as investors positioned themselves ahead of more key earnings updates and a busy few days of central bank interest rate decisions. The Nasdaq gained 0.82% to 26,169, while the S&P 500 rose 0.70% and the Dow added 0.28%.
🛢️ Oil
Oil prices pulled back from recent highs as traders weighed up the prospect of fresh peace talks in the Middle East. However, both Brent and WTI remain at elevated levels, with ongoing supply concerns keeping traders on edge. Brent fell 1.29% to $115.23, while WTI declined 1.46% to $101.76.
🥇 Gold
Gold managed to bounce off recent lows, pushing back above the key $4,000 level after coming under significant pressure in recent sessions. Gold gained 0.52% to $4,016.31.
💵 FX & Bonds
US Treasury yields moved higher ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve announcement, while the US dollar gained ground against the major currencies. The policy-sensitive two-year yield rose 3.4 basis points to 4.716%, while the benchmark ten-year yield increased 3.5 basis points to 4.988%. The Dollar Index gained 0.27% to 102.03.
| Market | Change | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Dow | +0.28% | 52,361 |
| S&P 500 | +0.70% | 7,676 |
| Nasdaq | +0.82% | 26,169 |
| USD | +0.27% | 102.03 |
| US Treasury – 2 Year | +3.4 bps | 4.716% |
| US Treasury – 10 Year | +3.5 bps | 4.988% |
| Oil – Brent | -1.29% | $115.23 |
| Oil – WTI | -1.46% | $101.76 |
| Gold | +0.52% | $4,016.31 |
📌 Today’s Focus (AEDT)
It is another relatively quiet day on the macroeconomic calendar ahead of a central bank frenzy later in the week. Traders will be keeping a close eye on US Durable Goods and Consumer Confidence numbers, although geopolitical headlines are once again expected to dominate sentiment and potentially drive some significant moves across markets.
🔹 US Session – 11.30 pm – US – Durable Goods Data
🔹 US Session – 1.00 am – US – CB Consumer Sentiment Data