US employment numbers gave the S&P 500 a modest boost to an all‑time high, and the ripple effect lifted Asian stock markets even as oil prices climbed on fresh unrest in Iran.
US Jobs Data Drives S&P 500 to New High
Friday’s payroll report showed a slightly lower-than‑expected rise in jobs, while the unemployment rate slipped to 4.4%. The modest surprise was enough to push the S&P 500 up 0.6%, closing at a record level. A Supreme Court delay on President Trump’s tariff case also kept a key risk off the table.
Asian Markets Follow Lead
In the wake of the US rally, equity futures in Hong Kong and spot markets in Australia and South Korea opened higher. Japanese markets were closed for a holiday, so no cash‑bond trading took place in the region.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Iran Unrest
Crude oil kept climbing on Monday as Tehran intensified its crackdown on nationwide protests. The tension adds a layer of uncertainty to global energy supplies and could reshape geopolitics if the situation escalates.
Other Market Moves
- Precious metals edged up, with gold gaining modestly after last year’s rally.
- Australian bond yields were largely unchanged.
- The US 10‑year Treasury yield held steady, keeping expectations for further Fed rate cuts alive, though the timing remains uncertain.
- Major banks (Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Citigroup) pushed back their forecasts for Fed cuts later in 2026 after the jobs data.
- Group‑of‑Seven finance ministers gathered in Washington to discuss rare‑earth supply chains.
What Investors Should Watch
Key points to monitor this week include:
- Further developments in Iran and any impact on oil supply.
- Upcoming speeches by New York Fed President John Williams and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic.
- Revenue results from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which recently beat estimates and could boost the AI‑related tech rally.
Disclaimer
Remember, this is my perspective, not a prediction. Always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.