Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Australian equities are set to benefit from renewed U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with technology and cyclical sectors likely to outperform as global liquidity improves, according to a research note from Macquarie.
The broker said a shift in monetary policy favors stocks over bonds, cyclical sectors over defensives, and growth over value, comparing the current market environment to 1998, when global easing and optimism around technology sparked a broad rally. With both the Fed and the Reserve Bank of Australia moving toward rate cuts, Macquarie expects liquidity-driven gains through the end of the year.
Macquarie highlighted technology and AI-related plays as core holdings, citing Nextdc (ASX:NXT) and Seek Ltd (ASX:SEK). Growth-oriented companies such as Lovisa Holdings (ASX:LOV) and Webjet Group (ASX:WJL) were also named as key beneficiaries of stronger market sentiment. The broker noted these positions build on portfolio adjustments made in July to lean further into growth and technology exposure.
Cyclical stocks with significant U.S. exposure are another area of focus. Aristocrat Leisure (ASX:ALL), Breville Group (ASX:BRG), CAR Group (ASX:CAR), and Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) are expected to gain from improving U.S. demand. In addition, gold miners remain a favored trade, with Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) and Newmont (ASX:NEM) well positioned as investors increase allocations to safe-haven assets.
Macquarie also pointed to improving risk appetite as a driver for small-cap stocks, while defensive sectors like healthcare and staples are likely to lag behind.
