The $US Index

04/08/2021

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Weekend report 31/01/2026

Weekend Q&A: Gold plunges the most since the GFC after Trump announces his Fed pick

The ASX 200 ended the short week up just +0.2%, but the volatility over the 4-days was more than many months! The energy and materials sectors were again the top performers, but Friday's savage 100-point reversal dented many of the previous high flyers, while the rate-sensitive consumer discretionary and tech sectors fought over the wooden spoon, again. This week is likely to be a very different market following the confirmed nomination of Kevin Warsh to be the next Federal Reserve Chair, taking over from Jerome Powell. Warsh is seen as more inclined than other finalists to guard against rising price pressures, a stance that would translate into monetary policy that is supportive of the US dollar. That saw the $US push up nearly 1% sending Gold & other commodities sharply lower. Gold experienced a top-to-bottom $US900/oz plunge overnight which will have the miners on the back foot on Monday,

Afternoon report 30/01/2026

The Match Out: Hot money flips out of resources as Gold pulls back, ASX +1.8% for the month

The ASX reversed earlier gains in the final session of the month, dragged lower by an accelerating sell-off in gold and other resource stocks as hot money headed for the exits. The rally in this part of the market has been impressive, however when stocks and commodities start to go parabolic, aggressive, short, sharp pullbacks become more likely, and we’ve certainly seen that play out today. Using BHP as the proxy for the sector, the stock hit a new all-time high above $52 early on, before reversing to close lower. Golds were hit harder with Newmont (NEM) trading at $190 yesterday before closing ~$173 today.