Markets are at something of a standstill again. We know why. We have another potential deal/timeline on the table from President Trump. The deadline is 8pm Tuesday night, US time. That would be Wednesday morning for us here in Australia. If Tehran doesn't accept a deal, the US could “rain hell” on the country. Iran rejected a ceasefire and proposed 10 clauses they want to see. Trump rejected those too. It's unlikely we will see much happen while this looms over the world.

Overnight, seven out of the 10 sectors were positive for the S&P 500. Energy led the way, followed by Financials and Industrials. Defensive components Healthcare and Utilities were slightly weaker.

Most Material stocks were flat to down. Gold was slightly lower, so gold stocks drifted lower. Copper and uranium were neither here nor there. You could say the same about Big Tech. The Chip stocks showed more life. Latest figures suggest the semiconductor sector is well-positioned to reach US$1 trillion in annual revenue this year. US financials continue to show resilience.

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Disclaimer
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Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights

Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.

If you'd like to go further:

Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today
http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast

Join Marcus Today
Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off
http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer

MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio
A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing.
http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast

Principles – How We Think About Investing
A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.
http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast

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Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The S&P 500 advanced 0.72% and closed at 6,575.32, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.16% and settled at 21,840.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 224.23 points, or 0.48%, to end at 46,565.74.

President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social Wednesday morning that Iran’s president has asked the U.S. for a ceasefire. However, the U.S. will consider the offer when the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear,” Trump added, writing that “until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”

This comes after the president told reporters at the White House late Tuesday that he expects the U.S. military forces will leave Iran in “two or three weeks.”

Oil prices eased following that comment. West Texas Intermediate futures settled down 1.24% to close at $100.12 per barrel and Brent crude futures lost 2.7% to settle at $101.16 a barrel.

SPI up 19 - Gold higher - POTUS Speech at Noon.

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Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights

Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.

If you'd like to go further:

Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today
http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast

Join Marcus Today
Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off
http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer

MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio
A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing.
http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast

Principles – How We Think About Investing
A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.
http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast

—

Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.