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Commodity sell-off spells Aussie underperformance

While US markets paused last night ahead of tomorrow's Fed meeting, the question for local traders today will be whether our local market can also hold up in the face of weaker commodity prices.
By · 16 Mar 2016
By ·
16 Mar 2016
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While US markets paused last night ahead of tomorrow’s Fed meeting, the question for local traders today will be whether our local market can also hold up in the face of weaker commodity prices. General weakness in yesterday’s market appeared to be motivated by a sell Australia view. The weaker Aussie Dollar and the prospects of a commodity correction are likely to be motivating selling of Australian stocks by international investors.

US retail sales over the past two months were disappointing. US consumers clearly remain cautious despite weak gasoline prices and an improving labour market. While the US economy is improving, consumer caution and a moderate growth outlook will constrain the Fed and probably limit it to no more than two rate increases this year.

The market has potentially significant press conferences to assess in the next 24 hours from both China’s Premier Li Keqiang and Fed President Yellen. These both have the potential to influence investor thinking and traders are likely remaining cautious beforehand. 

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Ric Spooner
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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Australian stocks are facing a sell-off due to weaker commodity prices and a declining Aussie Dollar. International investors are motivated to sell Australian stocks as they anticipate a potential correction in the commodity market.

Weaker commodity prices can lead to a sell-off in Australian stocks as commodities are a significant part of the Australian economy. This can result in decreased investor confidence and a weaker Aussie Dollar, impacting overall market performance.

The US Federal Reserve's meeting can significantly impact the market as it provides insights into future interest rate changes. Investors are cautious ahead of these meetings as any announcements can influence global market trends and investor decisions.

US retail sales are a key indicator of consumer confidence and economic health. Disappointing retail sales suggest that consumers are cautious, which can affect economic growth projections and influence investor sentiment globally.

The Fed's interest rate decisions can affect borrowing costs, consumer spending, and investment. A limited number of rate increases, as expected, may indicate a cautious economic outlook, influencing market stability and investor strategies.

Investors should watch for any policy announcements or economic forecasts from China's Premier Li Keqiang and Fed President Yellen. These can provide insights into economic strategies and potential market impacts, guiding investor decisions.

The Aussie Dollar is weakening due to a combination of weaker commodity prices and international investors selling Australian stocks. This decline reflects concerns about the Australian economy's reliance on commodities.

Consumer caution in the US can lead to slower economic growth, affecting global markets by reducing demand for exports and influencing investor confidence. This can result in cautious trading and potential market volatility worldwide.