Market recap
The ASX ended a four-week losing streak, ending the week marginally higher, driven by strong gains in the resources and energy sectors, whilst financials detracted again.
BHP (BHP) was the major contributor, up 3.4% with RIO (RIO) also advancing +0.7%. However, smaller players such as Fortescue (FMG) and Mineral Resources (MIN) both saw -5% declines following sharp rallies of over 50% so far this year as iron ore prices gained 35%. This comes on the back of multiple upgrades to iron ore consensus over the past month as prices remain high on strong demand from China.
Seek (SEK) was a big gainer, up 5% following speculation that Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba was considering a $500 million investment in Zhaopin, SEK’s Chinese jobs platform. SEK also issued a statement that it was engaging in conversations with various potential investors to support Zhaopin’s long term growth aspirations.
Meanwhile, the U.S. market fell again by 1% for the week, driven by further losses in big tech, though the likes of Alphabet (GOOGL), Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT) and other large cap tech are still sitting on big year-to-date gains.
Central bank week
Last week also saw major central banks such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England and Bank of Japan maintaining interest rates and continuing with their respective monetary support programs.
The Federal Reserve also said that it does not expect to see inflation pick up above the new ‘average inflation target’ of 2% for several years and have indicated that rates could be on hold at zero through 2023.
The Bank of England opened the door to negative interest rates in 2021 as it seeks to stimulate growth, with the interest rate currently sitting at 0.1%.
In Japan, the new Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga expressed support for a continuation of ‘Abenomics’, and the Bank of Japan stated that it would maintain the ultra-loose monetary policy.
Likewise, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s minutes stated it would remain accommodative and there would be no interest rate hikes until progress is made towards its objectives of full employment and inflation. There was a continued pushback against the possibility of negative rates, with the option remaining ‘extraordinarily unlikely’.
Strong employment figures
Employment figures were a big beat with 111,000 jobs being created relative to the expected losses. This drove the official unemployment rate down to 6.8% from 7.5%, and well ahead of consensus figures for a rise to 7.7%. However, various worker subsidies such as Jobkeeper set to be reduced next week, with Jobkeeper falling to $1,250. This is likely to hurt employment figures and have flow on effects on consumer spending and confidence, but the recovery of broader economic activity and business conditions will be a bigger driver.
Looking ahead
| Monday | US Fed National Activity Index (AUG) |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | AU Commbank Manufacturing PMI (SEP), US House Price Index (JUL), Existing Home Sales (AUG), Manufacturing PMI (SEP) |
| Thursday | US Initial Jobless Claims |
| Friday | US New Home Sales (AUG) |
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Tuesday 22 September 2020, 11am
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This information is general in nature and is provided by Bentleys Wealth Advisors. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decision based on this information.
