3 minute markets update

Listen to BT Chief Economist Chris Caton and our portfolio managers as they deliver a 3 minute market update - the quickest way to stay up-to-date with market movements. Check regularly for updates to this page or subscribe to them.

2012
February 2012
  • Andrew Dowie's 3 February 2012 update
    3 Feb 2012
    Tonights Jan unemployment rate is forecast to remain unchanged at 8.5% close to a 3 year low. Business sector productivity slowed in the 4th Qtr but will likely see increased demand for new workers.
    Listen to podcast (2:15) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 2 February 2012 update
    2 Feb 2012
    In the US there was improvement in January's PMI report but a decline in the productivity index. Overlall however, a postitve start to the year with 9 out of 18 industries surveyed reporting growth.
    Listen to podcast (3:50) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 1 February 2012 update
    1 Feb 2012
    In the US the November Case-Schiller prices was down 0.7% down it was the the third consecutive month of average price falls. Last night also saw the release of the Jan Consumer Confidence Report dropped to 61.1% from Dec 64.8%.
    Listen to podcast (3:53) Read transcript
January 2012
  • Chris Caton's 30 January 2012 update
    30 Jan 2012
    It was another mediocre night with the DAX slightly up and the FTSE slightly down, S&P -0.2% DOW -0.6% Some mildly disapointing news in the US with softer GDP and consumer spending than expected.
    Listen to podcast (4:03) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 27 January 2012 update
    27 Jan 2012
    FTSE +1.3% DAX +1.5% S&P -0.6% DOW -0.2% Markets higher than 2 days ago. The US FED meeting left interest rates unchanged but a historic change with the first ever publication of interest rates projections. Australian market close to flat today with AUD 1.06 USD.
    Listen to podcast (4:55) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 25 January 2012 update
    25 Jan 2012
    Quiet night, a little negative, FTSE -0.5% DAX -0.3% S&P -0.1% DOW -0.3% AUD 1.0475US4 CPI results for the last Dec quarter out today and in the US, President Obama gives his State of the Union address and the Federal Open Market Committee releases its statement. Our market is closed tomorrow, so next podcast on Friday.
    Listen to podcast (4:46) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 24 January 2012 update
    24 Jan 2012
    A directionless night with no US economic data to drive markets. Focus on Greek debt with meeting of Euro finance ministers on proposed 2nd bailout package worth 130bn Euros. FTSE +0.9% DAX +0.05% S&P flat DOW -0.01% and AUD at US1.054
    Listen to podcast (3:28) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 23 January 2012 update
    23 Jan 2012
    It was a non-volatile night which is a bit of a change. Since last August there have been 33 volatile days where the market moves more than 2%. Quiet on the European front FTSE DAX -0.2% and the US market strangely mixed S&P +0.1% Dow +0.8%
    Listen to podcast (5:21) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 20 January 2012 update
    20 Jan 2012
    A busy night of economic releases, and mostly positive - jobless claims dropped 50,000 (concensus was for -15,000), the lowest print since April 2008.
    Listen to podcast (5:58) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 19 January 2012 update
    19 Jan 2012
    Futures index +0.7% and AUD at 1.042USD after another up night - FTSE +0.2%, DAX +0.4%, S&P +1.1%, Dow +0.8% - the IMF plans to fill a trillion dollar gap and the US NAHB housing index jumped to 25, highest since June 2007.
    Listen to podcast (5:00) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 18 January 2012 update
    18 Jan 2012
    Futures index down slightly despite good overseas results - FTSE +0.6%, DAX +1.7%, S&P +0.4%, Dow +0.5% - the Chinese markets had a year to 4th quarter growth of 8.9% and the Empire State Survey of Manufacturing was up to 13.5 from 8.2 in December. AUD is now 1.037USD.
    Listen to podcast (2:50) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 17 January 2012 update
    17 Jan 2012
    We should open up this morning after Europe had a good night and the US debt downgrade on Friday didn't affect borrowing - DAX +1.4%, Bourse +0.9%
    Listen to podcast (2:55) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 16 January 2012 update
    16 Jan 2012
    US November trade balance figures widening - tangible evidence that Eurozone is starting to affect US economy.
    Listen to podcast (2:57) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 13 January 2012 update
    13 Jan 2012
    A fairly quiet session, US had soft economic data but in Europe bond auctions went well in Spain & Italy - FTSE -0.2%, DAX +0.4%, SP +0.3%, Dow +0.2%
    Listen to podcast (4:09) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 12 January 2012 update
    12 Jan 2012
    The US economy improved across all regions due to consumer spending.
    Listen to podcast (1:19) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 11 January 2012 update
    11 Jan 2012
    We should open up 0.5% as there was decreased pessimism about Europe & expectations around China's moentary policy - FTSE +1.5%, DAX +2.4%, S&P +0.9%, Dow +0.6%
    Listen to podcast (2:40) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 10 January 2012 update
    10 Jan 2012
    Our Futures Index +0.5% though there was not a lot to report - FTSE & DAX -0.2%, S&P +0.2%, Dow +0.3% - Merkel & Sarkozy met and agreed to speed up measures to improve the Eurozone economy.
    Listen to podcast (3:40) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 9 January 2012 update
    9 Jan 2012
    Markets a little higher than before Christmas - Europe was mixed: FTSE +0.4%, DAX -0.6%, US down: S&P -0.25% Dow -0.5%, but for the week S&P +1.6%, Dow +1.2% - after the S&P ended the year flat, Dow +5.5% for the same period.
    Listen to podcast (3:45) Read transcript
2011
December 2011
  • Chris Caton's 23 December 2011 update
    23 Dec 2011
    Good night everywhere with markets up again - up more than 1% in Europe and the US had a rise due to sound economic news: S&P +0.8%, Dow +0.5% - for the four days of the Christmas week, S&P +2.8%, Down +2.6%.
    Listen to podcast (3:45) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 22 December 2011 update
    22 Dec 2011
    Another mixed night will give us little direction - FTSE -0.6%, DAX -1%, S&P +0.2%, Dow flat.
    Listen to podcast (3:35) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 21 December 2011 update
    21 Dec 2011
    Good news with green ink everywhere - Spanish bond auction went surprisingly well, and very good US housing starts figures - FTSE +1%, DAX >+3%, S&P +3%, Dow +2.9%.
    Listen to podcast (2:38) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 20 December 2011 update
    20 Dec 2011
    Australia has already reacted yesterday afternoon, so may not be affected by another poor session with more negative rhetoric out of Europe - FTSE -0.4%, DAX -0.5%, S&P -1.2%, Dow -0.8%.
    Listen to podcast (2:32) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 19 December 2011 update
    19 Dec 2011
    We may be down at the opening after the usual battle between okay US economic data and negative news about European debt - FTSE -0.25%, DAX -0.5%, Dow flat, S&P +0.3%.
    Listen to podcast (5:35) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 16 December 2011 update
    16 Dec 2011
    The first up day all week - due to a drop in US jobless claims for the second week running, and despite Europe - FTSE +0.6%, DAX +1%, S&P +0.3%, Dow +0.4%.
    Listen to podcast (3:42) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 15 December 2011 update
    15 Dec 2011
    US import prices rose 0.7%, less than consensus as petroleum rose less than expected.
    Listen to podcast (1:19) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 14 December 2011 update
    14 Dec 2011
    November's retail sales figures in the US were disappointing, except for clothing and consumer electronics.
    Listen to podcast (5:10) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 13 December 2011 update
    13 Dec 2011
    Our Futures index at -1.5% and the AUD down to 1.007USD. Not particularly good news today - Europe, of course, with the first US trading since last week's summit and negative assessments from Fitch and Moody's. FTSE -1.8%, DAX -3.4%, Bourse -2.6%, S&P -1.5%, Dow -1.3%.
    Listen to podcast (3:53) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 12 December 2011 update
    12 Dec 2011
    A good day on Friday - FTSE +0.8%, DAX +1.9%, S&P +1.7%, Dow +1.6% - US markets both in positive territory for the week.
    Listen to podcast (4:23) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 9 December 2011 update
    9 Dec 2011
    Futures Index suggest we'll be down 1%-1.5% after a red ink night down everywhere due to the "daily dose of Euro uncertainly" - FTSE -1.1%, DAX -2%, S&P -2%, Dow -1.6%.
    Listen to podcast (3:41) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 8 December 2011 update
    8 Dec 2011
    A mixed start for us after a mixed night but we will get the labour market report today; yesterday's GDP data was positive. Europe down and the US opened down but clawed back - FTSE -0.4%, DAX -0.6%, S&P +0.2%, Dow +0.4%.
    Listen to podcast (3:41) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 7 December 2011 update
    7 Dec 2011
    Futures index +0.7% and AUD down to 1.024USD after a close to flat night as Europe absorbed the news that S&P were looking to downgrade the whole of the Eurozone. S&P +0.1%, Dow +0.4%
    Listen to podcast (3:19) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 6 December 2011 update
    6 Dec 2011
    Futures index suggesting no strong start but more good news overnight - FTSE +0.3%, DAX +0.4%, S&P +1%, Dow +0.6% - the US rallied on the manufacturing ISM.
    Listen to podcast (5:08) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 5 December 2011 update
    5 Dec 2011
    Friday didn't have much to report - FTSE +1.1%, DAX +0.7% but US dead flat despite the unemployment rate falling from 9.0% to 8.6%, both indexes up over 7% for the week.
    Listen to podcast (5:45) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 2 December 2011 update
    2 Dec 2011
    We'll open flat as after a very good day before, markets trod water: FTSE -0.3%, DAX -0.9%, S&P and Dow Jones -0.2%. AUD is now 1.022USD.
    Listen to podcast (4:09) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 1 December 2011 update
    1 Dec 2011
    We'll be up >3% after a great night with markets up strongly all around the world - FTSE +3.2%, DAX +5%, S&P +4.3%, Dow +4.2% - after the announcement of a co-ordinated arrangement to drive down cost of interbank lending globally. AUD is now 1.027USD.
    Listen to podcast (3:33) Read transcript
November 2011
  • Chris Caton's 30 November 2011 update
    30 Nov 2011
    Future index at -0.1% after an okay night but Europe did better than the US - FTSE +0.5%, DAX +1%, Dow +0.3%, S&P +0.2% - not just Europe where an Italian bond auction went very well, but US got some surprisingly good economic news as well.
    Listen to podcast (3:50) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 29 November 2011 update
    29 Nov 2011
    Finally some good news as tension about European debt eased - FTSE +2.9%, DAX +4.6%, Dow +2.6%, S&P +2.9% - with financial stocks particularly strong. Australia has already reacted but may gain more today.
    Listen to podcast (4:00) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 28 November 2011 update
    28 Nov 2011
    European markets generally up but the shortened Thanksgiving session ended with S&P and Dow down -0.25% - despite no real news anywhere.
    Listen to podcast (2:28) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 25 November 2011 update
    25 Nov 2011
    US market closed for TG and European markets down slightly - FTSE -0.2%, DAX -0.1% - following a downgrade of Portuguese debt and negative comments from Chancellor Merkel.
    Listen to podcast (2:35) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 24 November 2011 update
    24 Nov 2011
    Weak consuming spending, another contraction of durable goods orders and a downward revision of Q3 GDP has the US limping into Christmas.
    Listen to podcast (5:07) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 23 November 2011 update
    23 Nov 2011
    Q3 annualised GDP - initially +2.5%, concensus chasing +2.3%, this report came in just +2% - the drop due to a fall in inventories and slowing imports.
    Listen to podcast (5:38) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 22 November 2011 update
    22 Nov 2011
    October existing home sales up 1.4%, concensus was for -2.2%. Media prices down $3,300 however, but a good report nonetheless.
    Listen to podcast (1:53) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 21 November 2011 update
    21 Nov 2011
    Australian markets will get no direction from a quiet end to a volatile week. Europe down: FTSE -1.1%, DAX -0.8%; but the US did nothing: Dow +0.2%, S&P flat - both indexes down by 3% as a whole.
    Listen to podcast (5:26) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 18 November 2011 update
    18 Nov 2011
    Second consecutive fall night - FTSE -1.6%, DAX -1.1%, SP -1.7%, Dow -1.1% - the cause? this time it's Spain. An auction of 10 yr bonds had a yield of 6.97%, highest since 1997.
    Listen to podcast (4:01) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 17 November 2011 update
    17 Nov 2011
    A day when you should have gone home early - FTSE -0.2%, DAX -0.3%, but US fell in the last hour and a half S&P -1.7%, Dow Jones -1.6% - as a report suggested US banks were threatened by Eurozone contagion.
    Listen to podcast (3:42) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 16 November 2011 update
    16 Nov 2011
    October PPI below concensus, retail sales above concensus and Empire State ISM well above expectations.
    Listen to podcast (5:29) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 14 November 2011 update
    14 Nov 2011
    Good news, mainly due to Italy, the S&P +1.9%, Dow Jones +2.2%. Our Futures Index +1%, but the start may be stronger than that.
    Listen to podcast (3:52) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 11 November 2011 update
    11 Nov 2011
    Markets up but not as much as they fell the day before - US generally +1%, DAX higher but the FTSE was slightly off. It's still all about Europe, of course.
    Listen to podcast (3:35) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 10 November 2011 update
    10 Nov 2011
    All nasty again, we'll be off -2.5% at the opening - Europe generally -2%, S&P -3.7%, Dow Jones -3.2% - because Berlesconi's resignation announcement has people considering the consequences. The Italian bond rate around 7% which is an indicator of a country requesting aid. Europe fell around 2% and in the US markets opened -2% and drifted down.
    Listen to podcast (5:18) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 8 November 2011 update
    8 Nov 2011
    A mixed session where Europe down while the US was higher - FTSE -0.3%, DAX -0.6%, SP +0.6%, Dow +0.7% - US market down until early afternoon.
    Listen to podcast (4:51) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 7 November 2011 update
    7 Nov 2011
    Too good to last, markets down again of Friday - FTSE down marginally, DAX -2,5%, S&P -0.6%, Dow -0.5% - still a European story of course.
    Listen to podcast (4:39) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 4 November 2011 update
    4 Nov 2011
    Andrew reviews US economic indicators: October Services ISM fundamentally unchanged at 52.9 but concensus was expecting 53.5.
    Listen to podcast (3:50) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 3 November 2011 update
    3 Nov 2011
    Markets recovered - FTSE +1.1%, DAX +2.4%, S&P +1.6%, Dow +1.5% - after the initial reaction to Greek referendum announcement. Our futures index suggest we'll be +1% higher at the open.
    Listen to podcast (4:25) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 2 November 2011 update
    2 Nov 2011
    Another ugly night with red ink everywhere - FTSE -2.2%, DAX -5%, S&P -2.8%, Dow Jones -2.5% - Greek PM decided he can't just have a bail-out package, but you need a referendum before you accept it, and there's a chance it will fail.
    Listen to podcast (5:15) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 1 November 2011 update
    1 Nov 2011
    It wasn't pretty, markets down significantly everywhere - FTSE -2.8%, DAX -3.2%, S&P -2.3%, Dow -2.5% - as a trading firm's bankrupcy filing on Monday renewed fears of Eurodebt effects. We will be down today, -0.5% at the opening.
    Listen to podcast (4:09) Read transcript
October 2011
  • Chris Caton's 31 October 2011 update
    31 Oct 2011
    There's little to report but we should open +0.3% anyway - FTSE -0.2%, DAX +0.1%, S&P flat, Dow Jones +0.2% - so pretty flat but it was a good week overall.
    Listen to podcast (4:25) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 28 October 2011 update
    28 Oct 2011
    A great session - FTSE +2.9, DAX +5.4%, S&P +3.4%, Dow Jones +2.9% - as the European leaders came up with a strategy involving leveraging stability to guarantee bonds and private banks have agreed to a 50% haircut on Greek debt. We won't get a full flow as we had a bit yesterday, FUT up 1-1.5% at the opening. AUD back to USD 1.07.
    Listen to podcast (3:03) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 27 October 2011 update
    27 Oct 2011
    A good session but not so clear in Europe - FTSE +0.5%, DAX -0.5%, S&P +1.1%, Dow Jones +1.4% - as Eurozone leaders held their summit and the outcome for recapitalising banks was met with approval. We'll have a good start today, our Futures Index is up +0.6%. AUD down to 1.04USD.
    Listen to podcast (5:19) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 26 October 2011 update
    26 Oct 2011
    An ugly night, not so much in Europe but the US started down and stayed down - FTSE -0.4% DAX -0.1% S&P -2% Dow Jones -1.7% - due to the Finance ministers meeting at Wednesday's summit being cancelled. We will be down today, although our Futures Index and the AUD are holding up.
    Listen to podcast (3:24) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 25 October 2011 update
    25 Oct 2011
    More green ink everywhere - FTSE +1.1% DAX +1.4% S&P +1.3% Dow Jones +0.9% - as markets become more confident that Wednesday's summit meeting will be successful.We may be up again today.
    Listen to podcast (3:22) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 24 October 2011 update
    24 Oct 2011
    Good news all round - FTSE +1.9%, DAX +3.6%, S&P +1.1%, Dow Jones +2.3% - so we'll be off to a good start.
    Listen to podcast (4:05) Read transcript
  • James Kerr's 21 October 2011 update
    21 Oct 2011
    The best Philly Fed index one-month rise in 31 years, coming in at +8.7, consesus was expecting -9.4.
    Listen to podcast (2:22) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 20 October 2011 update
    20 Oct 2011
    A mixed night but Europe was up - FTSE +0.7%, DAX +0.6% - The US was strong in the morning but faded in the afternoone, the NASDAQ doqn 2% on Apple's poor earnings report.
    Listen to podcast (3:07) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 19 October 2011 update
    19 Oct 2011
    Andrew reviews US economic indicators: September PPI looks bad at first glance.
    Listen to podcast (4:23) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 18 October 2011 update
    18 Oct 2011
    Red ink to report and our futures index down - FTSE -0.5%, DAX -1.8%, S&P -1.9%, Dow Jones -2.1% - as people get more pessimistic about Europe and the Brussels meeting. The AUD is back down to 1.019USD.
    Listen to podcast (3:15) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 17 October 2011 update
    17 Oct 2011
    Markets up everywhere - S&P +1.7%, Dow +1.45%, FTSE +1.1%, DAX +0.9% - with good data in the US to reinforce the dimished concern about Europe. AUD is now 1.034USD.
    Listen to podcast (4:28) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 14 October 2011 update
    14 Oct 2011
    Andrew reviews US economic indicators: trade deficit treading water, jobless claims down.
    Listen to podcast (2:48) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 13 October 2011 update
    13 Oct 2011
    Increased confidence in Europe - S&P +1%, Dow +0.9%, FTSE +0.8%, DAX +2.2% - will see us higher again today.
    Listen to podcast (3:57) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 12 October 2011 update
    12 Oct 2011
    A quiet night - S&P +0.1%, Dow -0.1% - with no new data as markets wait for Slovakia's approval of the Eurodebt plan. The AUD is back up to USD 0.999.
    Listen to podcast (2:54) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 11 October 2011 update
    11 Oct 2011
    An enormously good day - S&P +3.4%, Dow +3%, FTSE +1.8%, DAX +3% - due to the talks in Europe about recapitalisation of the banking sector. We'll be up 1% at the open and will have a good day, the AUD is back up to USD 0.998.
    Listen to podcast (3:59) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 10 October 2011 update
    10 Oct 2011
    The US winning streak came to an end in the last hour of Friday's trading - S&P -0.8%, Dow -0.2%, FTSE +0.2%, DAX +0.5% - after the Fitch agency lowered the credit rating of Spain and Italy.
    Listen to podcast (4:47) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 7 October 2011 update
    7 Oct 2011
    Another strong night everywhere with the announcement of bond-buying programmes to support Europeran and British banks, our futures index is looking bright.
    Listen to podcast (3:34) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 6 October 2011 update
    6 Oct 2011
    Europe was sensational - FTSE +3.2%, DAX +4.9% as they processed the previous day's news, and the US continued up - S&P +1.8%, Dow +1.2%. Our Futures Index suggest we'll be up 1.5-2.0% at the opening.
    Listen to podcast (4:37) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 5 October 2011 update
    5 Oct 2011
    The US rallied late - S&P +2.2%, Dow +1.5%, NASDAQ +3% - on news of a Eurodebt resolution, ironically Europe missed out and finished significantly down. Our Futures Index suggest we'll be up 0.8%.
    Listen to podcast (3:58) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 4 October 2011 update
    4 Oct 2011
    Andrew reviews US economic indicators: No recession in the US - September Manuafacturing ISM better than consensus and 12/18 sectors showed growth.
    Listen to podcast (1:53) Read transcript
September 2011
August 2011
  • Chris Caton's 31 August 2011 update
    31 Aug 2011
    Another positive night, the FTSE playing catch-up to be +2.7% but the German market was pulled down by early weakness on Wall St. DAX -0.5% but the Dow ended +0.2%.
    Listen to podcast (4:10) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 30 August 2011 update
    30 Aug 2011
    We'll be up 1-1.5% on the opening as markets rose well on the back of good economic indicators and the low impact from Hurricane Irene: DAX +2.4%, S&P +2.8%, Dow Jones +2.3%, FTSE closed.
    Listen to podcast (3:26) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 29 August 2011 update
    29 Aug 2011
    We should be up 0.5%, mixed markets with the FTSE flat and DAX -0.8%; the US opened down but struggled back above the line to end with the Dow Jones +1.2% and the S&P +1.5%.
    Listen to podcast (5:10) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 26 August 2011 update
    26 Aug 2011
    It was payback time with markets in red in everywhere, but not drastically. Our Futures Index say we should expect a fall of around 1% locally. Europe fell over 1% with no clear catalyst and in the US the S&P fell 1.6% and the Dow Jones 1.5%.
    Listen to podcast (5:13) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 25 August 2011 update
    25 Aug 2011
    More good news as markets were up again although gold has dropped $150 - FTSE +1.5%, DAX +2.7%, S&P +1.3% and Dow Jones +1.3%.
    Listen to podcast (3:16) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 24 August 2011 update
    24 Aug 2011
    We should be up 1.1% today - Good news with markets in black everywhere - FTSE +0.7%, DAX +1.1%. The US climbed all day and ended with the S&P +3.4% and Dow Jones +3%.
    Listen to podcast (3:19) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 23 August 2011 update
    23 Aug 2011
    A quiet night with no news driving the markets, Europe mixed while the US opened higher but couldn't hold on to all the gains: S&P up by a whisker, Dow Jones +0.3%.
    Listen to podcast (2:59) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 22 August 2011 update
    22 Aug 2011
    Another poor night, Europe down 1.5% and the same in the US: S&P -1.5%, Dow Jones -1.6%; no news, just a continuation of fears about recession. The Australian futures index suggest we may be flat as we have already fallen havily.
    Listen to podcast (3:07) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 19 August 2011 update
    19 Aug 2011
    Markets fell significantly everywhere on the back of Eurozone debt concerns and a very poor Philadelphia Fed. report. FTSE -4.5%, DAX -5.8%, S&P -4.5%, Dow Jones -3.7% (400 points). Australian Futures Index suggest we will be down 100 points, our currency being the only buffer.
    Listen to podcast (3:37) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 18 August 2011 update
    18 Aug 2011
    Not a lot to report despite a poor earnings report from Dell. Europe fell, the FTSE by 0.5% and the German market by 0.8%; In the US, the Dow was flat and the S&P rose 0.1%. Our futures index suggest Australia will open flat, the AUD is now back to 1.055USD.
    Listen to podcast (3:18) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 17 August 2011 update
    17 Aug 2011
    The volatility continues but not as badly, with markets softer - the S&P fell 1% and the Dow fell 0.7%.
    Listen to podcast (4:10) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 16 August 2011 update
    16 Aug 2011
    Economic data releases in the US : poor manufacturing report coloured by recent events.
    Listen to podcast (3:13) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 15 August 2011 update
    15 Aug 2011
    An okay day, as the volatility finally ended. Europe still had catching up to do on Thursday's gains so the FTSE rose 3% and the DAX 3.5%. In the US, the S&P rose 0.5% and the Dow Jones 1.1%.
    Listen to podcast (4:25) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 12 August 2011 update
    12 Aug 2011
    Good news as markets recovered again - less concern about France and jobless claims fell by 7000 in the US. Europe up more than 3%, the Dow Jones rose 3.9%, and the S&P rose 4.6%.
    Listen to podcast (4:11) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 11 August 2011 update
    11 Aug 2011
    It's not safe to go back into the water - now it's France that is rumoured to be in trouble. Markets fell, FTSE 3%, DAX 5.1%, the Bourse 5.4%, Dow Jones 4.6%, and the S&P 4.4%.
    Listen to podcast (4:46) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 10 August 2011 update
    10 Aug 2011
    Better news to report as markets recovered: FTSE 1.9%, Dow 4%, S&P 4.7%. The US started high, plunged upon the Fed announcement then recovered as we did yesterday, but in the space of an hour.
    Listen to podcast (3:26) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 9 August 2011 update
    9 Aug 2011
    Nothing nice out there as markets fell heavily everywhere: FTSE 3.4%, DAX 5%, Dow 5.5%, S&P 6.66%.
    Listen to podcast (6:14) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 8 August 2011 update
    8 Aug 2011
    A mixed day on Friday. Europe fell more than 2% on Friday, catching up with the US. In the US, the S&P was down marginally but the Dow was UP 0.%5 - the employment report was better than expected which helped the US despite rumours of an impending debt downgrade which came after the market closed.
    Listen to podcast (5:25) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 5 August 2011 update
    5 Aug 2011
    A horror night everywhere as markets tumbled - Europe more than 3%, the Dow 4.3%, and the S&P 4.8%.
    Listen to podcast (5:00) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 4 August 2011 update
    4 Aug 2011
    Andrew reviews overnight economic data releases in the US : poor ISM results.
    Listen to podcast (4:22) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 3 August 2011 update
    3 Aug 2011
    Andrew reviews overnight economic data releases in the US : income and spending reports.
    Listen to podcast (3:00) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 2 August 2011 update
    2 Aug 2011
    Andrew reviews overnight economic data releases in the US : another ISM release.
    Listen to podcast (2:56) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 1 August 2011 update
    1 Aug 2011
    The debt ceiling crisis still looms, making it the worst week of trading for over a year, but an upcoming vote in the US Senate may resolve the impasse.
    Listen to podcast (5:41) Read transcript
July 2011
  • Chris Caton's 29 July 2011 update
    29 Jul 2011
    US markets were actually positive due to good jobless claims and pending house sales data but we'll open soft today, making July the fourth down month in a row.
    Listen to podcast (4:09) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 28 July 2011 update
    28 Jul 2011
    Another ugly night due to the impasse, markets down: FTSE 1.2%, DAX 1.3%, S&P 2%, Dow 1.6%.
    Listen to podcast (4:17) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 27 July 2011 update
    27 Jul 2011
    Australia is expected to open down following more corncerns about the US debt ceiling, US markets closed down while Europe managed a 0.1% rise.
    Listen to podcast (4:54) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 26 July 2011 update
    26 Jul 2011
    Australian markets should open up this morning despite Europe being mixed, FTSE down and the DAX up slightl; and the US reacted to the debt ceiling impasse and fell 0.6-0.7%.
    Listen to podcast (2:43) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 25 July 2011 update
    25 Jul 2011
    Markets were mixed with little news to go on, FTSE up 0.5%, DAX up 0.6% but the US was flat - S&P up 0.1% and the Dow down 0.3%.
    Listen to podcast (4:39) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 21 July 2011 update
    21 Jul 2011
    US close to flat despite the great day the day before, Europe up in response to the US. Australia may be flat at the open but the Futures index suggest another good day.
    Listen to podcast (4:07) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 20 July 2011 update
    20 Jul 2011
    Andrew reviews overnight economic data releases in the US : "one swallow does not a summer make".
    Listen to podcast (2:47) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 19 July 2011 update
    19 Jul 2011
    Down in Europe by 1.6%, down in the US by 0.8%, and it's all about debt - in the Eurozone and the debt ceiling in the US.
    Listen to podcast (3:11) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 18 July 2011 update
    18 Jul 2011
    Up in the US on Friday but down for the week, we should start up 0.4%.
    Listen to podcast (4:18) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 15 July 2011 update
    15 Jul 2011
    Andrew reviews overnight economic data releases in the US.
    Listen to podcast (4:56) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 14 July 2011 update
    14 Jul 2011
    In Europe, the FTSE was up by 0.6% and the German market was up by 1.3%. There were some signs that Italy is moving towards an austerity package and so that was treated as good news. In the US, the market also traded higher.
    Listen to podcast (3:24) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 13 July 2011 update
    13 Jul 2011
    More red ink but less than yesterday, Europe faring worse that the US despite climbing back after an auction of Italian 12-month bills.
    Listen to podcast (4:43) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 12 July 2011 update
    12 Jul 2011
    More red ink, this time due to Italian debt worries, the Futures index is down 0.9% so expect a bad day. Markets down: FTSE 1%, DAX 2.3%, S&P 1.8%, Dow 1.2%.
    Listen to podcast (3:53) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 11 July 2011 update
    11 Jul 2011
    A negative night due to the very poor US labor market report but the market did better than you might expect.
    Listen to podcast (5:00) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 8 July 2011 update
    8 Jul 2011
    It was a good night for trading, with the FTSE up by 0.9% and the German market up by 0.5%. In the US, the S&P and Dow were also up, and this optimism was driven by a couple of pieces of reasonably good labour market data.
    Listen to podcast (3:00) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 7 July 2011 update
    7 Jul 2011
    Equity markets were close to flat, slightly higher in general in the session. There was very little movement in Europe, and in the United States the S&P was up by just 0.1%, and the Dow Industrial Average was up by 0.4%.
    Listen to podcast (3:01) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 6 July 2011 update
    6 Jul 2011
    The US five day winning streak of the market came to an end with the S&P 500 and the Dow index both down by 0.1%. The biggest economic event of the day was a downgrade by Moody's Investor Service of Portugal's long term government debt rating.
    Listen to podcast (2:45) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 4 July 2011 update
    4 Jul 2011
    Happy new financial year! All markets up on Friday; the US market rose every day, the strongest week in 2 years, driven by strong economic news.
    Listen to podcast (4:28) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 1 July 2011 update
    1 Jul 2011
    Continued strength in markets to close out the financial year as Greece passes an implementation plan. Europe up around 1.5% and the US saw the S&P up 1.8% & Dow 1.2%.
    Listen to podcast (3:26) Read transcript
June 2011
  • Chris Caton's 30 June 2011 update
    30 Jun 2011
    The third good night in a row will help the last trading day of the year. Markets up: FTSE & DAX 1.5%, S&P 0.8% & Dow 0.6%.
    Listen to podcast (4:10) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 29 June 2011 update
    29 Jun 2011
    Another good night will unquestionably get us off to a good start. Markets up: FTSE 0.8%, DAX 0.9%, S&P 1.3% & Dow 1.2%.
    Listen to podcast (4:26) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 28 June 2011 update
    28 Jun 2011
    A mixed night in Europe but a strong US market - up 0.9% - shows we're less concerned about Greece again.
    Listen to podcast (4:06) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 27 June 2011 update
    27 Jun 2011
    Australian markets will have another poor start today as the US fell over 1% on Friday due to more Greek concerns.
    Listen to podcast (4:14) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 24 June 2011 update
    24 Jun 2011
    Europe down 1.5-2% over new Greek debt worries while the US was down 0.3-0.5% due to jobless claims, so we'll have a slow start today.
    Listen to podcast (3:56) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 23 June 2011 update
    23 Jun 2011
    What the US giveth, the US taketh away - US makets fell significantly, which will get us off to a poor start.
    Listen to podcast (3:34) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 22 June 2011 update
    22 Jun 2011
    Markets up strongly, as anticipated by Australian markets yesterday. Europe over 1%, Dow 0.9%, S&P 1.3%.
    Listen to podcast (3:39) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 21 June 2011 update
    21 Jun 2011
    We're less worried about Greek debt as Eurpoean finance ministers anounded Greece would avoid default - at least for now. US markets up 0.5%-0.6% as a result.
    Listen to podcast (3:08) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 20 June 2011 update
    20 Jun 2011
    Europe down but the US up, both due to compromise on Greek debt, or the lack thereof.
    Listen to podcast (4:18) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 17 June 2011 update
    17 Jun 2011
    Australia should benefit from a mixed night overseas; Europe down slightly but the US up, bolstered by relatively good economic data.
    Listen to podcast (3:23) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 16 June 2011 update
    16 Jun 2011
    Not a pretty sight, as markets undid all the gains of the previous day, due to renewed concern about Greece and weak economic data. FTSE down 1%, DAX down 1.25%, S&P down 1.7% and the Dow down 1.5% so Australian markets will fall.
    Listen to podcast (5:15) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 15 June 2011 update
    15 Jun 2011
    Good news, finally! FTSE up 0.5%, DAX up 1.7%, S&P up 1.3% and the Dow up 1% so Australian markets will unquestionably rise, at least this morning.
    Listen to podcast (3:26) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 14 June 2011 update
    14 Jun 2011
    More weak news - on Friday the US markets fell heavily and on Monday it was a flat session everywhere, so that won't help our markets.
    Listen to podcast (4:42) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 10 June 2011 update
    10 Jun 2011
    We rose yesterday after 6 losing sessions, and we'll rise again after positive sessions in overseas markets overnight.
    Listen to podcast (4:21) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 9 June 2011 update
    9 Jun 2011
    Another soft night won't help Australian markets; the fall in the S&P is now 6% since the 29 April peak. This happened last year and was followed by a return to strength and we may be heading the same way again.
    Listen to podcast (3:02) Read transcript
  • Andrew Dowie's 8 June 2011 update
    8 Jun 2011
    Andrew reviews overnight economic data releases in the US.
    Listen to podcast (2:35) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 7 June 2011 update
    7 Jun 2011
    Another rough night in the US due to the weakness of economic growth will see us down again this morning. Europe fared better, FTSE up 0.1%, DAX down 0.3%; in the US the Dow fell 0.5% and the S&P fell 1.1%.
    Listen to podcast (5:27) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 6 June 2011 update
    6 Jun 2011
    Europe was okay but not so in the US, that won't help us this morning but I think there are better times ahead.
    Listen to podcast (5:26) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 3 June 2011 update
    3 Jun 2011
    Not good in Europe as the previous day's falls in the US drove markets down. The US was more mixed as they wait to see if their fears were grounded.
    Listen to podcast (2:53) Read transcript
  • Chris Caton's 2 June 2011 update
    2 Jun 2011
    The Australian market won't be helped by a shocker of the night overseas. Europe fell around 1% while the US opened weak and got weaker; the Dow fell 2.2% and the S&P fell 2.3% on the back of disappointing economic data.
    Listen to podcast (5:35) Read transcript

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Disclaimer and Disclosure

These commentaries cover technical themes and are designed to provide a snapshot of current financial markets. If you are an investor we recommend you speak with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

These commentaries have been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

This information has been prepared and issued by BT Funds Management Limited ACN 002916458. While the information contained in these updates has been prepared with all reasonable care, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors or omissions or misstatement however caused. All forecasts and estimates are based on certain assumptions which may change. If those assumptions change, our forecasts and estimates may also change.

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