BPO TV

Market wraps 28th August 2025

Morning Bell - Sophia Mavridis

Overnight, the S&P500 advanced at the same magnitude as it slipped the day before. Industrials led among large cap segments, gaining momentum while at the other end of the leaderboard, staples declined the most. All US equity benchmarks closed in the green, with the Dow Jones also gaining more than 140 points or 0.3% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq up 0.2%. US investors weighed the latest quarterly earnings results from Nvidia. In extended trading, Nvidia’s share price fell almost 3%, despite its results beating expectations, which has seen the S&P futures move lower as the company makes up approximately 8% of the S&P500. And as we near the end of the month, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq are each up more than 2%, while Dow is up more than 3% this month. 

European markets closed mixed overnight. The German DAX down 0.44% and the FTSE100 down 0.11%. While France’s CAC was up 0.44% and the STOXX600 closed just 0.1% higher. 

Locally yesterday, the ASX200 advanced 0.28% with materials and healthcare stocks in the lead, while consumer staples and technology declined the most. 

 What to watch today: 

  • Following the rally on Wall Street overnight, the SPI futures are suggesting that our local market will open only slightly higher this morning, with a 0.03% gain. 
  • And while we’re nearing the end of reporting season, a long list of companies are due to release their earnings results today. The most watched will likely be Qantas today (ASX:QAN) with the major airline set the release its results this morning and gold a press conference at 9am. Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) will also be reporting today, the conglomerate that owns Bunnings, Officeworks, Kmart and others. And other share prices to watch will be Eagers Automotive (ASX:APE), Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC), Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN), Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC), and Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) just to name a few. 
  • And companies going ex-dividend today include Beach Energy (ASX:BPT), Deterra Royalties (ASX:DRR), REA Group (ASX:REA) and Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS). Remember this often sees share prices fall as investors take their profits. 
  • In commodities,
    • Crude oil has gained 0.78% to US$63.74 per barrel recovering from a more than 2% drop, after US government data pointed to stronger-than-expected inventory declines. Crude stockpiles fell by 2.39 million barrels to 418.3 million, more than markets had anticipated. So watch energy producers today. 
    • The price of gold is higher just 0.08% to US$3,396.35 an ounce, hovering at a two-week high amid concerns over the Fed’s independence as President Trump signalled a legal fight after seeking to remove Governor Lisa Cook over alleged misconduct.
    • And iron ore is in the green higher at US$101.59, so watch iron ore miners today.

Trading ideas:

  • Following the release of Woolworth’s (ASX:WOW) results yesterday, Bell Potter maintain their Hold rating on the supermarket giant but have lowered their price target to $29.80, as the company reported NPAT outlook changes, down 2% in FY26 and down 8% in FY27. At the current share price of $28.51, this implies 4.5% share price growth in a year. 
  • And Bell Potter maintains their buy rating on WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), although FY25 revenue came in below Bell Potter’s expectations and missed their guidance range. They have lowered their price target by 6% to $127.50. At WTC’s current share price of $102.02, this implies 25% share price growth in a year.