the daily moo

These three triggers could force a 30% drop in markets from recent highs

A rally in US markets and Australia should be taken lightly by investors. All we need to see is a higher oil price, the US central bank talking of rate hikes or big tech companies showing margin pressure, and markets would be in a tailspin, falling up to 30% from recent highs. It all depends on how the Iran conflict continues from this point.
Watchlist: Albemarle, Myer, IperionX
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Gold price meltdown, investors flee, expecting rates higher for longer

Markets slid heavily last week, lead by the Nasdaq down 3%. Losses were widespread, excepting oil stocks, with gold hit especially hard. The precious metal had its biggest fall in decades, and now it must test support levels at US$4400. If it falls though we could be seeing a further 10% slide.
Watchlist: Vault Minerals, Super Micro Computer, Southern Copper
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

BYD leads global EV sales, but other stocks are gaining more ground

Sharemarkets are sinking to further lows as the Iran conflict escalates again, and confusion over any possible ending remains. As energy stocks fluctuate we're seeing oil stocks rise and electric vehicle sales spike. As the Chinese automakers step up to produce the mass market models the world wants, they're devouring market share from the US.
Watchlist: NIO, Tesla, Alibaba
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Data storage stocks, up 400% in 12 months: peaking or just beginning?

Markets are falling as Iran escalates its attacks and US inflation is pointing higher. Amid the pessimism, SanDisk is one stock standing out for its amazing gains, both overnight and the past year. We look at the whole data storage sector to see how much more is ahead for these impressive stocks, as Micron reports results this morning.
Watchlist: Micron Technology, Sims, Rocket Lab
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

'Worst of all worlds' scenario as central banks decide on interest rates

Markets are holding steady as the Iran conflict continues and the US decides on interest rates tomorrow. Slowing growth, rising prices is a 'worst of world' scenario for central banks, as 33 around the globe are now deciding which course to take in interest rates: up or down. So will they follow Australia, and hike rates? Or keep them steady, as expected in the USA tomorrow? We explore how these decisions will hit markets.
Watchlist: Geely Auto, Electro Optic Systems, Lululemon
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Coal stocks are soaring globally, and it looks like they're not done

Markets are rising with hope the oil trade will get back to normal sooner rather than later. The global disruption is hitting the coal sector hard, with stocks rallying to multi-year highs. And a look at the world energy market indicates there more room to run.
Watchlist: New Hope, Meta, Ciena
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Five ways you can trade the volatile oil market

As sharemarkets fall, the oil price is rising. And there's no end in sight for the intense conflict in the Middle East. With extended disruption in the global oil market we outline five key sectors in Australia and the US you can consider if you're prepared to manage risk and volatility in search of return.
Watchlist: Breakwave ETF, Dollar Tree, GenusPlus
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Futures markets indicate a steady drop in the oil price in months ahead

Markets are falling sharply as the week ends, amid doubt of a quick conclusion to the Iran war. As the oil price spikes up, shares drop. But looking to future price expectations for oil gives us an idea of how soon and conclusively the market expects the crisis to be resolved.
Watchlist: Chevron, Adobe, VanEck Semiconductor ETF
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Asian markets roar into 2026, some up more than 30%, with more ahead

Global markets are flatlining as the outcome of the Iran war remains uncertain, and US inflation – though in line with expectations – seemed to disturb the bond market. But not much is stopping the huge gains in Asian markets, with Korea up more than 30% this year and Taiwan not far behind. We explore why they're making gains and how you can invest.
Watchlist: iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, Taiwan Semiconductor, Cathay Pacific
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Six key takeways for traders from Australian company results

Markets are on hold as they figure out what's happening in Iran and inflation in the US. But Australian companies have all but finished delivering their half-year results, and there were six clear findings that investors need to know as they continue trading into 2026. Our market strategist Michael McCarthy takes you through these.
Watchlist: Liontown, Oracle, United States Oil Fund
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Investors beware – the rally in US stocks is not an 'all clear' sign

Talk of G7 countries shoring up oil supply and the US president declaring the Iran war may soon be over saw investor confidence return to global markets. The Nasdaq index surged 1.4%, but the oil trade is far from assured with the Strait of Hormuz still in jeopardy. Key US economic data this week will likely be pivotal to market performance.
Watchlist: Paladin Energy, Hewlett Packard, Live Nation
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Huge jump in investor fear as the rocketing oil price threatens markets

Market fear is spiking just as oil pushes higher. As Australian stocks plummet this morning, we're seeing real market fear take hold, reflected in the volatility index heading up toward 'liberation day' levels from last April. With no end in sight to the Iran conflict, investors should definitely expect further intense volatility ahead.
Watchlist: Carnival, IBM, Northern Star Resources
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

If oil hits US$100, expect a big fall in stocks amid economic pain

Markets swung back to the red overnight, as the oil price touched above US$80 and may keep rising. Fears of the impact of such a shock increase is sending stocks down – but if oil hits US$100, as analysts predict, it may be a more serious correction of around 12%. It oil and (surprisingly) software stocks that are holding up.
Watchlist: Viva Energy, Expedia, Marvell Technology
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Seeking market direction? You can use Bitcoin as a lead

Markets are rallying back, despite the ongoing Iran crisis. And in a highly volatile market, where are investors getting their leads? One way is via the cryptocurrency market. There's a strong correlation between BItcoin and technology stocks – where Bitcoin swings, others will follow. It's rally overnight is one telling example, as investors also piled back into the US tech sector.
Watchlist: Coinbase, Broadcom, Silex Systems
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Fearing inflation, rates, investors wait for sharemarket re-pricing

World markets continue to fall, led by Europe, as investors watch the price of oil soar, and see no quick end to the Iran conflict and its trade disruption. The emerging fear is that a rapidly rising oil price will fuel inflation, and central banks may act to curb it, creating a stagflationary effect that poisons investment performance.
Watchlist: Palantir, NexGen Energy, BYD
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Investors way too optimistic as Iran war escalates

With US markets recovering from early losses overnight, investors are optimistically expecting a quick, conclusive end to the Iran conflict. But there are indications outside the share market that this may not be achieved. And the potential for inflation to wreak havoc on the global economy is not being thoroughly considered in sharemarkets.
Watchlist: CrowdStrike, Berkshire Hathaway, Capstone Copper
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

Defence, oil among sectors surging over the Iran conflict

We're seeing some clear reactions in the Australian market this morning, which are likely to echo in other global markets as they open around the world. Investors are responding to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran: airlines are falling, banking and finance is dropping, defence is rocketing up and oil is surging. We explain why this is happening and what to expect.
Watchlist: Virgin Australia, Life360, Netflix 
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote

ETF flows surge as ASX hovers near record highs

The ASX is hovering near record levels as strong ETF inflows signal investors are still buying the rally. With mixed global cues and earnings in focus, markets are testing whether passive flows can keep pushing equities higher.
Watchlist: Block Inc, Ramsay Health Care, Intuit 
Check out these stocks: www.moomoo.com/quote 

Nvidia result confirms that AI revenues are only heading higher

Global sharemarkets continue to rally led by the US technology sector. While Bitcoin, gold and other assets are also heading higher, it was Nvidia's result, out this morning, that beat all expectations, to prove the AI boom is getting louder not quieter, as the whole artificial intelligence sector looks ready to reap greater revenue.
Watchlist: Circle, HSBC, Qantas
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote
 

Defence stocks' huge gains set to continue as spending spikes

US technology stocks rose overnight, as investors re-embraced risk, with Intel and AMD among those rocketing up. As earnings results continue to roll out we are seeing wild swings in stock prices. One sector outperforming is defence. Following a strong result from DroneShield today, we outline global growth for this significant sector.
Watchlist: DroneShield, Workday, Advanced Micro Devices
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Software stocks now 'at a clear discount', after massive slide in 2026

With US stocks falling sharply, led by the broader technology sector, it's software stocks in particular focus. The bloodbath in the sector is covering almost all players, quite unfairly, say some commentators, who believe real bargains are now emerging in some big stocks and those with a sector-specific focus.
Watchlist: Microsoft, IBM, Scentre
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

New US tariffs, geopolitical fears add to earnings-fuelled volatility

The US government is imposing new global 15% tariffs on imports following the cancellation of previous ones by the US Supreme Court. The effect and future of these temporary tariffs are uncertain, adding to increasing market volatility over US-Iran military tension and wild stock swings this earnings season in the US and Australia.
Watchlist: Austal, Zip, Moderna
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Further gains look likely in gold, silver, copper, after their February rout

Positive momentum in sharemarkets continues, with markets gaining, and London hitting a new high. Metals, after a phenomenal rally in 2025, hit a wall this month, but seem to be gathering for yet another run up. Under supply remains a critical issue, while other factors are influencing the path of specific metals as 2026 continues.
Watchlist: Regis Resources, DoorDash, Telstra
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Here's a surprise, the 'magnificent seven' might be a bargain

While US market barely budged overnight, we saw swings in commodities with gas, gold and Bitcoin falling. Investors are more focused on earnings, which are leading to divergence in stock performance. This includes the US megacap 'magnificent seven' stocks which are down up to 18% year-to-date, erasing 12-month gains for some of them. The drop is so severe there is now an argument that based on their fundamentals these stocks are looking like a compelling value opportunity.
Watchlist: Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, National Australia Bank
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Mining stocks' big rally shows no sign of stopping as BHP, Rio report

This year it is Australian mining stocks sweeping investors off their feet, as they become shy over big US technology bets. And the sector may get another jolt this week with BHP, Rio Tinto and Newmont among those reporting. We deep dive into what's going on.
Watchlist: Newmont, Deere, Web Travel
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Which stocks will win from the huge US$3.5 trillion spend on AI?

US markets dipped overnight with investors concerned rates may not be coming down as soon as hoped in the US. They're also cautious about massive spending plans on AI. But that huge spend will benefit some stocks, by a lot, across the whole AI supply chain. At very top of that list may be the memory, data storage sector, despite its phenomenal run in 2025, it may not be done at all.
Watchlist: SanDisk, Applovin, ANZ Bank
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Aussie banks get upgrades in year of rate hikes, but CBA looks weak

Australian banks are being upgraded with earnings over the year expected to rise due to interest rate hikes. It's why they're being upgraded. But we explain why Macquarie is in a better place than the Commonwealth Bank if you're looking for the long term. Also, the bullish pace of the global sharemarket looks set to continue this year. And things are looking up for Ford and Spotify.
Watchlist: Commonwealth Bank, Spotify, Ford
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Obesity price wars, expiring patents savage big US pharma stocks

Global markets continue to rally this week, with the Dow Jones hitting an all-time high. One category exempt from this week's rally is the big US pharmaceutical stocks. Price wars over obesity drugs and anxiety as major patents expire has investors and the sector scrambling for solutions: mergers and Ai are two possible answers.
Watchlist: AstraZeneca, Macquarie Group, CAR Group
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Aussie earnings swing to the positive for the first time in years

A rough week in markets is followed by a stronger Monday. We're seeing wildly different stock performances as investors react to company results. And this week Australia is in focus as heavyweight banks and health companies report. Analysts expect strong earnings growth, returning to positive gains after years of declines, with miners to lead.
Watchlist: CSL, Walmart, Pop Mart
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote
 

We're in a big tech sell off, so should you buy, hold or sell?

Markets are entering correction as investors retreat from big technology and other growth sectors to safer staple stocks. Their mood is for Hershey bars not gold bars right now, and the question is, should you buy, hold or sell out of your big tech holdings. There could be bargains to buy or more to lose.
Watchlist: QQQ ETF, Amazon, GOLD ETF
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Bullish expectations for critical minerals as nations make plans

Technology stocks continue to suffer amid a widespread selloff. Even some excellent earnings reports are not enough to lift stocks. But critical minerals are in focus as the US and Australia make plans for the sector, including strategic reserves and price floors, as they seek to secure a supply. This could have a big impact on rare earths and other sectors.
Watchlist: Lynas Rare Earths, Google, Beach Energy
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

AI delivers a knockout blow as data, consulting stocks plummet

Markets swung into the red overnight and in today's trading as new AI tools made investors reconsider what companies have a viable future. Consultancies and data providers were not judged kindly, joining software stocks on investors' blacklist for the session. Earnings results for some, such as Gartner, also had an effect, but the broader trend was undeniable.
Watchlist: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Bitcoin in crisis at 10-month low as outflows increase

US stocks swung up overnight, as investors sought risk following the dip at the end of last week and a seismic drop in precious metals. Gold continued to fall, as did oil and Hong Kong stocks. But Bitcoin rebounded a little, though it's 30% fall from October is now understood to represent a loss of investor confidence.
Watchlist: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Gold price plummet indicates the bubble has burst

At the end of a midly positive week for shares the bottom of the gold market fell out, as a rally in the US dollar amid signs of higher inflation ushered in a sell off. Huge falls in gold and silver on Friday are expected to continue. This seems like a bubble market that has just burst creating a sense of chaos and uncertainty.
Watchlist: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Artificial intelligence is re-creating health into a market leading sector

Big technology stocks are reporting their quarterly results this week, and while they're beating expectations, that's not enough for the likes of Microsoft which dragged the US market down overnight. But health stocks are on the rise and is set to challenge big tech as a US market leader, while also shining in Australia and Hong Kong.
Watchlist: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Huge surge in uranium stocks as AI energy needs escalate

As the US market breaches new levels, we're seeing the uranium sector rocket up, as supply shortage meets greater demand. And the artificial intelligence infrastructure build out is a principal reason for this dynamic. We outline some ways to invest across this surging sector.
Watchlist: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Big investor opportunities as the US dollar falls to its lowest in years

A rally in semiconductor and other technology stocks led the US market up to new highs overnight, just as the US dollar falls to lows. Technology is just one sector gaining from the currency's drop. And with the Aussie at a three-year high, there's also local opportunities for investors to get ahead of. We also cover three investments to watch.
Watchlist: Mircon, BHP, RTX
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Global energy stocks surge as wild weather escalates

Sharemarkets are surging ahead of inflation figures out later this week, and ahead of worsening weather across Australia and the US. That is the sector to watch as extreme temperatures push grids to their maximum. Natural gas futures have skyrocketed ahead of paralysing winter storms in North America especially.
Watchlist: Woodside, Boeing, Fortescue
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Share prices plummet, earnings growth slows, as AI stomps software

The wipeout of software stocks, falling up to 50% of their value, is as ugly as it is astonishing. But the rout in this once pre-eminent sector isn't a done deal, survivors are expected to emerge from its trampling by artificial intelligence. Investors must tread carefully, being thoughtful and precise if there's to pick the right discounted winners.
Check out mentioned stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Investors find opportunity in real-world stocks, beyond tech giants

US markets continue their upswing, with positive US economic data now adding to investors confidence. Australian stocks are following the uptrend. But it's no longer just about AI and big tech, we're seeing investors broaden out into industrial and other stocks were growth and opportunity is just as strong.
Watchlist: GE Aerospace, Intel, Alcoa
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Market-beating US communications stocks are now becoming losers

Markets swung back into the green as the US backed down from military and tariff threats against Europe. And so investors re-embraced risk assets. We saw many sectors rise, but that's not what we're seeing in the US communications services sector this year. It was the leading force in the market recently, but the shadow of AI is now casting its chill.
Watchlist: Alphabet, Infratil, Haliburton
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote
 

Markets' biggest drop in months may become much worse

US markets fell sharply overnight as mounting US-Europe tension rattled investors, who turned to precious metals and 'safer' investments. This biggest fall in months could become a deeper pullback, with resolution to geopolitical issues looking unlikely in the immediate term. That could spell opportunities for investors if we look at a recent similar pullback from 2024.
Watchlist: Invesco QQQ Trust, Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF,  DroneShield
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Gold, silver hit highs, but greater gains likely

Gold and silver just reached new highs, as investors veer from an increasingly risky geopolitical outlook between the Middle East and Europe. With demand steady and strong, analysts expect greater upside ahead for the precious metals, forecasting gold may rise another 30% to reach US$6000 this year.
Watchlist: GOLD ETF, BHP, Netflix
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote
 

Heavyweight miners make big gains as commodity demand goes higher

Commodities continue to be a dominant trend in the sharemarket, with metals continuing to surge into 2026 (led by silver). But iron ore will be a key commodity determining what happens with Australia's big miners this year. Will BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue continue to make significant share price gains ahead?
Watchlist: Fortescue, Salesforce, Catalyst Metals
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Here's a simple four-step guide to investing in 2026

The year is off to a volatile and exciting start for investors. It's a good time to start investing, or to reconsider your strategy. So we've got a quick guide to how you can launch your investing journey in 2026, including discussion of four key sectors that look set to deliver results throughout the next 12 months.
Check out mentioned stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote
 

TSMC's result is a huge jolt of confidence for AI investors globally

The world's most important semiconductor maker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co reported a blow-out result which sparked renewed confidence among investors that the AI boom is no fad but a 'real' transformative force here to stay. TSMC's long-term projections lifted AI sentiment and the entire market.
Watchlist: ASML, Blackrock, James Hardie
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Bitcoin bounds higher, with $100,000 the key level to watch

US shares fell overnight, with the first big companies to report 2025 results failed to impress investors. As banks dropped, questions over stocks' valuations also dragged down the mighty technology sector. But Bitcoin was among a few assets bounding higher, reaching over US$97,000 – but US$100,000 is the level to watch. If it holds there, we could see a long, healthy run ahead. 
Watchlist: iShares Bitcoin Trust, Morgan Stanley, The Mosaic
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

US banks swing from best to worst performers, but may bounce back

Investors took some profits, selling up overnight, seeing markets edge down a little. US financial stocks were among those hardest hits, with the US government considering limiting credit card interest rates, at least temporarily. The sector is now in the red. But that follows a powerful 2025 performance, which may re-emerge once its bumpy ride is over.
Watchlist: Wells Fargo, Intel, Imdex
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Expect copper to make further gains as supply slows, demand rises

Markets are heading to higher ground, led by the US edging up overnight amid a flurry of confounding news from the White House. Precious metals were among those reaching highs, but our eye is on copper, which is continuing to rise after a stellar run in 2025 – demand is rising, but supply isn't, creating the perfect path for higher prices this year.
Watchlist: Freeport-McMoRan, NexGen Energy, Delta Air Lines
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote

Energy sector rises to meet AI's insatiable need for power

The US market has charged into 2026, with key indicies reaching new highs in the first week of trade. Investor hunger for artificial intelligence is a leading reason for the rise, with the sector's infrastructure demands, especially energy, only expected to increase this year. Energy stocks could be set for strong gains as suppliers strive to meet demand.
Watchlist: Codan, Vanguard Total World Stock ETF, GE Vernova
Check out these stocks at www.moomoo.com/quote