US markets see mixed performance as tech concerns ease and futures rise

Wall Street sees a turn of fortune as Micron's impressive results ease tech concerns, while the global commodities landscape shifts dramatically. Discover how these developments are impacting markets across the globe—from South Africa's JSE to the heart of the US economy.

Image: Philip Fong / AFP

In a day marked by fluctuating market sentiments, Wall Street experienced a mixed session yesterday, with the early week tech sell-off casting a long shadow.

However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically following the release of Micron Technology's remarkable quarterly results, which not only surpassed expectations but also lifted spirits across the tech and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.

As a result, futures turned sharply positive, bolstering investor confidence.

Bianca Botes, Managing Director at Citadel Global, said, "The focus now turns to the upcoming US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, a crucial indicator that will determine whether the market adheres to a hawkish Federal Reserve outlook, or if it can start to anticipate a potential reduction in interest rate hikes later this year."

Across Asia, the positive sentiment from Micron's results resonated, particularly in South Korea, where the KOSPI surged by an impressive 5% as trading commenced. This rally was largely fuelled by a surge in semiconductor and AI-related stocks, reinforcing the tech sector's resilience.

Meanwhile, oil prices are showing signs of stabilisation, reverting to levels last seen before the recent conflicts.

Brent crude is trading at $72 per barrel, and analysts are observing a normalisation of flows through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively pricing down geopolitical risks in the market.

In contrast, gold prices are facing pressure, trading at $3,972 per ounce, a significant drop below the psychological $4,000 mark for the first time since the beginning of the Iran conflict.

The prevailing rate outlook is placing additional strain on this precious metal.

In South Africa, the rand has managed to regain some ground after experiencing volatility earlier in the week.

The current trade rates are R16.56 to the dollar, R18.82 to the euro, and R21.82 to the pound.

Market observers are keenly watching for confirmations from US data which could sway the rand’s future performance.

Market updates: regional overview

On the JSE, the All Share Index witnessed a decline of 1.6%, closing at 109,828.90, according to Anchor Capital on Thursday morning.

"The downward trend was predominantly led by substantial losses in the gold and platinum mining sectors, which saw declines ranging from 5% to 8%," Anchor Capital stated.

Other retail and banking stocks also suffered, while real estate stocks like Hammerson and Shaftesbury Capital stood out as notable gainers.

• Notable declines:
• Impala Platinum: -8.4%
• Gold Fields: -5.7%
• Foschini: -3.6%
• Standard Bank: -3.0%
• Upside movers among real estate:
• Hammerson: +4.7%
• Shaftesbury Capital: +3.7%

In the UK, the FTSE 100 demonstrated a slight increase of 0.3%, buoyed by gains in the real estate sector following Segro's rejection of a takeover bid, which significantly boosted its shares.

In the United States, tech stocks struggled as the market took a hit; however, airline and homebuilder shares enjoyed robust gains driven by their unique catalysts.

Commodities and currencies under pressure

As the influence of global events unfolds, commodities are facing substantial fluctuations.

Brent crude prices have declined as expectations for smoother crude flows settle, while gold prices have dropped sharply due to the strengthening dollar.

With the rand wobbling against the dollar over recent days, the correlation with US economic data remains a concern for South African investors.

As markets react and consolidate following critical economic updates, investors brace themselves for the PCE data release, anticipating its potential to reshape economic outlooks both domestically and internationally.

The turmoil and triumphs across the markets underline just how interconnected global finance can be in this dynamic landscape.

Follow Business Report on Facebook, X and on LinkedIn for the latest Business and tech news.