Source: Kapitales ResearchHeadline

• ASX 200 futures are up just 3 points (+0.03%) despite the Dow Jones closing above 52,000 for the first time.
• The Nasdaq surged more than 2% as strong buying in Mega cap technology stocks reignited investor optimism, while the Dow Jones climbed above the 52,000 mark for the first time.
• Easing geopolitical tensions after the US and Iran agreed to suspend recent military strikes improved overall market sentiment, although uncertainty surrounding upcoming diplomatic discussions remains.
• Oil prices advanced as traders continued to monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz, while gold retreated as investors shifted back towards growth assets.

Global Markets Overview

Global markets showed a mixed trend, with US indices advancing strongly while several international benchmarks closed lower. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.07%, the S&P 500 rose 1.18%, and the Dow Jones gained 0.59% to close at a fresh record high. However, weakness was seen in the FTSE 100, S&P/TSX Composite and India’s benchmark index, which declined 0.23%, 0.45% and 0.48%, respectively. The NZX 50 gained 0.37% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.15%, reflecting selective regional strength. Commodities & Crypto

Commodity markets delivered a mixed performance overnight. Crude oil strengthened despite the agreement between the US and Iran to halt recent strikes, with traders remaining focused on shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz. Gold retreated as demand for safe-haven assets eased, while copper and uranium weakened amid subdued sentiment toward industrial commodities. Silver edged higher, supported by modest investor interest even as gold prices retreated. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin advanced as improving risk appetite and a strong rally in US technology stocks boosted investor sentiment.Bond Yields

Global government bond markets were relatively stable as investors awaited fresh economic data and further guidance from major central banks. Australian and US government bond yields eased marginally, reflecting cautious investor positioning ahead of key macroeconomic releases, while Japan's benchmark bond yield remained elevated. Longer-dated US Treasury yields edged slightly higher, indicating that investors continue to expect interest rates to remain elevated despite signs of moderating inflation.Key Drivers

• The Dow Jones surpassed the 52,000 level for the first time, while the equal-weight S&P 500 also achieved a record close.
• Mega cap technology stocks drove Wall Street higher, with strong gains in Tesla, SpaceX, Alphabet and Amazon, while Apple and Microsoft lagged the broader technology rally.
• The US and Iran agreed to suspend recent military strikes and pursue diplomatic discussions in Doha, helping ease immediate geopolitical concerns.
• Oil markets remained focused on shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz despite reduced military tensions.
• South Korea announced significant long-term investment plans for AI chips and data centres, supporting optimism across semiconductor-related stocks.
• Rocket Lab surged after announcing an approximately US$8 billion acquisition of satellite operator Iridium.
• China's central bank introduced a lower-than-expected liquidity facility rate, increasing expectations of further monetary support.

ASX Company News

• Collins Foods Limited (ASX: CKF): Reported record FY26 financial results, with revenue increasing to AU$1.59 billion and underlying NPAT rising 13.0% to AU$61.4 million. The company reduced net debt to AU$119.6 million, declared a fully franked final dividend of 15.0 cents per share, and announced plans to expand its KFC network in Australia and Germany while continuing to invest in digital capabilities and restaurant development during FY27.
• Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN): Awarded an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract to MDM Mining & Civil to support the design and delivery planning of the access road for its Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia. The contract forms part of the Definitive Feasibility Study and aims to optimise construction scheduling, project costs and road design ahead of competitive tendering.
• Almonty Industries Inc. (ASX: AII): Announced its inclusion in both the Russell 1000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index, effective from 29 June 2026, following the annual Russell index reconstitution. The company expects the milestone to improve institutional investor participation, enhance trading liquidity and broaden its long-term shareholder base as it advances its global tungsten operations.
• BMC Minerals Ltd. (ASX: BMC): Confirmed that its major shareholder, BMC (UK) No.1 Limited, completed the sale of approximately 29.53 million CDIs, representing 10.8% of the company's issued capital, through an underwritten institutional block trade at $2.85 per CDI. Following the transaction, BMC UK retains a 53.9% ownership stake, while the company expects the increased free float to improve liquidity and support future index inclusion opportunities.

Stocks trading ex-dividend today:

• Abacus Storage King (ASX: ASK): Dividend of AU$0.031 per share.
• LDR Capital Property Fund (ASX: LED): Dividend of AU$0.016 per share.
• Lowell Resources Fund (ASX: LRT): Dividend of AU$0.150 per share.
• Regal Investment Fund (ASX: RF1): Dividend of AU$0.120 per share.

Key Economic Drivers (What to Watch Today)

• Release of the RBA meeting minutes for additional guidance on Australia's monetary policy outlook.
• China's Manufacturing and Services PMI data to provide insights into regional economic momentum.
• Germany's latest inflation figures for indications on European price pressures.
• US JOLTs Job Openings data, which may influence expectations around the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory.

Summary 

• ASX 200 futures indicate a broadly flat opening, suggesting investors remain cautious despite Wall Street's record-breaking performance overnight.
• Strong gains in Tesla, Alphabet and Amazon fuelled the rally across megacap technology stocks.
• US equity markets ended higher, with the Dow Jones closing above 52,000 for the first time, while the Nasdaq outperformed on renewed technology buying.
• Improving US-Iran relations supported investor sentiment after both countries agreed to suspend recent military strikes.
• WTI crude oil advanced as traders continued to monitor shipping activity around the Strait of Hormuz despite easing geopolitical tensions.
• Gold, copper and uranium declined, while Bitcoin strengthened as investors shifted towards risk assets.
• Government bond markets remained relatively stable as investors awaited key economic data and further guidance from major central banks.
• South Korea's large-scale AI chip and data centre investment plans boosted optimism across the global semiconductor sector.

Disclaimer for Kapitales ResearchThe materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.  

Customer Notice:Nextgen Global Services Pty Ltd trading as Kapitales Research (ABN 89 652 632 561) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1293674) of Enva Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 424494). The information contained in this website is general information only. Any advice is general advice only. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The decision to invest or trade and the method selected is a personal decision and involves an inherent level of risk, and you must undertake your own investigations and obtain your own advice regarding the suitability of this product for your circumstances. Please be aware that all trading activity is subject to both profit & loss and may not be suitable for you. The past performance of this product is not and should not be taken as an indication of future performance.Disclosure: The information mentioned above has been sourced from the company reports and a third-party database, i.e. Koyfin. Investors are advised to use strict stop-loss to protect their investments in case of any unfavorable/uncertain market events. Kapitales Research, Level 13, Suite 1A, 465 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia | 1800 005 780 | info@kapitales.com.au