U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
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.
