In this episode of Pre-Market Pulse, Mark discusses therecent performance of the stock market, highlighting record highs in theS&P 500 and the overall strength of various sectors. Despite geopoliticaltensions and economic uncertainties, the market has shown resilience,particularly in banking and retail. The conversation also touches on theperformance of commodities, upcoming economic

indicators, and the outlook forthe Australian market as the financial year comes to a close.

The S&P 500 closed at recordhighs despite trade war fears.

The stock market has shownresilience amid geopolitical tensions.

The Australian market is lookingat its best financial year since COVID.

Nike's return to its old businessmodel has positively impacted its stock.

The healthcare sector isexperiencing significant challenges.

Copper prices are nearing recordhighs, indicating strong demand.

The US dollar's decline is makingUS stocks more attractive to foreign investors.

Non-farm payrolls data has beenmoved to Thursday, a rare occurrence.

Conflicting signals in inflationand employment data are concerning.

Expectations are high for themarket as the financial year ends.

Mark discusses the overnight action in global markets, thecurrent state of the stock market, highlighting the optimism driven by recentcomments from the Federal Reserve. The discussion covers various sectors,including technology, commodities, and energy, with a particular focus onTesla's advancements in autonomous driving and the ongoing rally in uraniumstocks. The conversation concludes with insights into future trends in energyand technology, emphasizing the importance of AI and geopolitical factors inshaping market dynamics.

Overnight – Stocks spike higher as Trump Describes Iranianresponse as “weak”

Stocks gained solidly on Monday, despitevolatile trading, as Iran released a "very weak" response to the U.S.strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Additionally, dovishinterest rate commentary from Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowmancontributed to the bid in stocks.

Shortly before 1 PMET, Iran launched missile attacks on the U.S. airbase in Qatar, reportedlycoordinating with Qatari officials to provide advance notice and minimizecasualties. No deaths were reported, and most of the 14 missiles wereintercepted, with only one allowed to proceed as it posed no threat. PresidentTrump characterized Iran’s response as “very weak,” thanked Iran for thewarning, and expressed hope for regional peace, while U.S. military bases inthe region remained on high alert.

Amid these heightenedtensions, Iranian sources suggested the country might consider blocking theStrait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, though oil pricesunexpectedly plunged as fears of further escalation eased. Analysts noted thatthe recent exchange reduced uncertainty about potential U.S. retaliation,possibly providing some stability to the situation. President Trump publiclyencouraged restraint and called for peace, while also urging Israel to pursueharmony in the region.

On the economic front,Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman indicated support for a July interestrate cut, citing contained inflation and the temporary impact of Trump’s tariffpolicies. Despite Middle East turmoil, oil prices fell sharply, with Brentcrude dropping 7.5% and West Texas Intermediate down 8.1%, erasing earliergains. Trump took to social media to urge both countries and companies to keepoil prices low and pressed the U.S. Department of Energy to ramp up domesticdrilling.