Australian Markets React to US Economic Data
Australian markets witnessed a decline on June 11, 2024, in anticipation of major US economic announcements and the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell by 1.3% to 7,755 points, ending a three-day winning streak after a public holiday on Monday.
Investors are closely watching the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled to conclude on June 12, with expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain its current interest rate. The US Consumer Price Index (CPI), a crucial inflation measure, is also set to be released on Wednesday. In response to the potential market volatility surrounding these events, traders have been reducing their exposure to risk.
The mining sector saw a significant decline of 2.8% due to falling iron ore prices and concerns about weak demand in China. BHP Group, a major player in the industry, experienced a drop of 1.8%. Rate-sensitive financials also decreased by 0.9%, with the ‘Big Four’ banks facing losses ranging from 0.8% to 1.3%, as investor confidence waned amid speculation about the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) stance on interest rate cuts. Other sectors such as energy, health, gold, real estate, and technology also witnessed declines, indicating a broad-market retreat.
In the midst of this market turbulence, investors are advised to remain vigilant as the outcomes of the US economic data and the Federal Reserve meeting unfold. These events will not only impact Australian markets but also provide valuable insights into the global economic landscape. The decisions made by the Federal Reserve and the inflation data released will likely shape monetary policies and investor sentiment worldwide. Additionally, the upcoming employment data in Australia will offer further clues about the country’s economic direction.