Markets Today (12 September 2025) at Open: Key Trends from Wall Street to ASX

Overnight Market Overview:
Global markets had a strong session overnight. The US indices hit new record highs, with the S&P 500 closing at 6,587 (+0.85%), the Dow Jones at 46,108 (+1.36%), and the Nasdaq at 22,043 (+0.72%). The Russell 2000 also made gains, up 1.83%, sitting just 1% below its 2021 high.

US inflation data largely came in line with expectations, though the month-on-month headline CPI was slightly hotter than expected at 0.4% vs. the forecast of 0.3%. The core CPI, excluding volatile items, remained steady at 0.3%. This confirms that inflationary pressures are stable and supports expectations for a 25 basis point rate cut later this month. The focus now shifts to employment data as the next major driver.

In commodities, copper surged 1.33%, driven by growing industrial demand and infrastructure spending expectations. Lithium and battery tech also rallied 3.24%, reflecting the continued push towards electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Gold saw a slight decline of 0.09%, pressured by expectations of rate cuts reducing demand for safe-haven assets. Oil fell 2.12%, as the International Energy Agency (IEA) raised its supply growth forecast to 2.7 million barrels per day, pointing to a potential oversupply.

Sector Performance
Every major sector saw gains, led by Materials (+2.14%), Health Care (+1.73%), Consumer Discretionary (+1.70%), and Financials (+1.67%). Real Estate (+1.63%) and Industrials (+0.96%) also performed well. Defensive sectors like Utilities (+0.49%) and Consumer Staples (+0.94%) saw moderate growth, while Energy declined slightly (-0.04%).

Industry ETFs Highlights
The resource sectors were particularly strong. Copper Miners rose 2.34%, Strategic Metals by 2.67%, and Gold Miners gained 1.84%. Lithium & Battery Tech jumped 3.24%, reflecting global efforts to secure key minerals for energy transition. In renewables, Hydrogen ETFs soared 5.48%, and CleanTech gained 1.48%, signaling continued investor appetite for sustainable energy plays.

Key Events and Corporate News

• Oracle’s stock surged 36%, its largest one-day gain since 1992, following a $300 billion contract with OpenAI.
• Hyundai’s Georgia battery plant construction faces delays due to worker shortages.
• Apple’s analyst sentiment hit its lowest point in over five years amid concerns over AI competition and lackluster product releases.
• Barrick Mining is exiting its last Canadian gold mine, shifting focus to copper.

Global Notes

• China’s capital inflows exceeded trade flows for the first time, supported by stock and bond purchases.
• The ECB kept rates unchanged, while the Bank of Japan hints at future hikes despite wavering conviction.
• The RBNZ projects a rate cut to 2.50%, while South Korea’s central bank signals further cuts to support growth.

ASX Opening Outlook
The ASX futures are up 43 points (+0.48%), signaling a positive open. However, the market remains between the 20-day and 50-day moving averages, suggesting some uncertainty ahead of central bank decisions next week. Resources will continue to be a key driver, especially in metals and energy-related sectors.

Dividends & Corporate Actions
Ariadne Australia, Cleanaway Waste, and Wisetech Global are among today's stocks going ex-dividend. Other corporate actions are limited, with no IPOs or earnings announcements scheduled.

Summary
The US market closed at record highs on broadly supportive inflation data, with attention shifting to employment trends for further rate action. Commodity sectors, particularly copper and lithium, led the rally on expectations of increased demand for infrastructure and clean energy. Meanwhile, oil prices declined due to forecasts of oversupply. Resource-related ETFs are likely to remain strong, while defensive sectors saw moderate gains. The ASX is set for a positive start but faces technical resistance near key moving averages.

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