ASX Anticipates Gains as Trump Temporarily Eases Tariff Tensions
ASX Anticipates Gains as Trump Temporarily Eases Tariff Tensions
0
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Australian stocks are poised to follow a positive US market trend, with the S&P-ASX200 futures rising by 6.6% after US President Donald Trump's latest tariff adjustment.
The S&P 500 gained 9.5% after Trump announced a temporary reprieve from tariffs for various countries, aimed at addressing investor apprehensions regarding the global economic implications of aggressive US trade tactics.
In an unexpected move, the US President declared a 90-day suspension of certain new tariffs, with notable exceptions including a hike on Chinese imports to 125%. This was a direct retaliation against China's decision to impose an 84% levy on US goods set to begin on April 10. Although Trump's announcement provided some relief, market participants remain wary about future trade policy directions. Since the broad tariffs were announced earlier in the month, the market endured its steepest four-day decline in five years, dropping over 12%.
Despite lingering uncertainties surrounding tariff policies, investors took advantage of lower stock prices. BMO Private Wealth's chief market strategist, Carol Schleif, mentioned that markets have a natural tendency to rebound after intense periods, similar to a temperamental child calming down after a tantrum. The suspension provides a window for possible negotiations, though companies continue to face unpredictability.
Goldman Sachs withdrew its recession warning, reverting to a moderate economic growth prediction for 2025 following Trump's policy change. Kevin Gordon, a senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab, noted that the market's bounce from oversold levels was logical, yet cautioned against making definitive projections given the volatile policy environment.
In addition, the recent US Treasury's 10-year note auction was successful, indicating strong investor demand with yields close to market expectations, further aiding sentiment. The major US indexes reflected the optimism, with the Nasdaq gaining 12.16% and the Dow Jones up 7.82% by market close.
The forthcoming earnings season should provide further clarity on the effects of tariffs on economic growth, with big names like JPMorgan Chase set to release results soon. Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index saw a significant decline in response to the tariff news, showing decreased market fear.
Further developments are awaited as the Federal Reserve's recent meeting minutes highlighted mixed economic forecasts, mentioning potential challenges of balancing inflation control with growth stimulation. Additionally, a comprehensive consumer price inflation report will be released shortly, potentially offering new insights into inflation trends.
While markets have reacted favorably to the temporary tariff measures, business leaders like Delta Air Lines are exercising caution. The airline reported better-than-expected profits for the first quarter but withdrew its financial guidance for 2025, projecting lower-than-anticipated current-quarter profits amid the uncertain economic landscape.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
In November 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a 1% month-on-month increase in home prices, bringing the national median value to A$888,941. This follows a 1.1% rise in October, indicating a persistent upward trend in property values. The growth was particularly pronounced in mid-sized state capitals, with Perth leading at a 2.4% increase. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest gains of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. - read more
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are expected to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This forecast follows an anticipated 8% increase in 2025, highlighting a sustained upward trajectory in property values. The primary drivers behind this growth include limited housing supply and resilient demand, particularly in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has recently voiced concerns regarding the escalating demand for home loans, suggesting that this surge may be contributing to unsustainable property price increases. CEO Matt Comyn highlighted that while the bank benefits from the current housing credit boom, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing affordability. - read more
As of October 1, 2025, the Australian government's expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme has come into effect, introducing significant changes designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers. Key modifications include the removal of income caps, increased property price limits, and the elimination of restrictions on the number of guarantees available. - read more
As a homeowner in Australia, it is essential to stay informed about the current mortgage interest rate and inflation situation. This knowledge is crucial for effective financial planning and making informed decisions regarding your home loan. Understanding the impact of rising interest rates on Australian homeowners is particularly important. - read more
A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It is calculated based on your credit history, including factors like your payment history, the amount of debt you have, and the length of your credit history. - read more
Welcome first-time home buyers! Embarking on the journey to purchase your first home can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the crucial steps in this process is understanding and obtaining home loan pre-approval. - read more
Stepping into the realm of homeownership begins with a critical financial milestone: securing home loan pre-approval. This inaugural step paves the way for homebuyers to gain a clear understanding of their borrowing capacity, directly influencing their purchasing decisions. In Australia, where the real estate market teems with competitive energy, effective navigation through the pre-approval process offers a competitive edge. - read more
Embarking on the journey to home ownership in Australia is both exciting and daunting. The housing market here is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities to navigate. Understanding the intricacies of this market is crucial as you begin your home ownership adventure. This means keeping an eye on property prices, interest rates, and evolving regulations that might impact your purchasing power. - read more
Need Help Finding a Home Loan?
Get your free home loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored
specifically to your circumstances.
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without
obligation. We respect your
privacy.
"Mastering Home Loans: Navigating the Australian Mortgage Market"
