CommSec

We recently came together for another incredible Innovation & Learning Day.   This time, the spotlight was on problem solving, with over 200 dedicated team members collaborating to tackle challenges and enhance our customer experience.   A special congratulations to our Innovation & Learning Day Awards winners!   The energy, collaboration, and creativity displayed by everyone were truly inspiring.

Antipodes Global (ASX: AGX1) Portfolio Manager, Vihari Ross recently joined Tom Piotrowski in the studio for our Executive Series.   The pair discussed her views on the ‘Magnificent 7’, which includes NVIDIA, Apple, Tesla, Meta and Microsoft. She also discusses potential opportunities for thematic investments beyond larger tech.   You'll find a link to the full interview in the comments 👇 #investing #tech

The Aussie #sharemarket lifted by +7.8% over the past financial year. Here’s a glimpse at some of the best & worst of the Aussie market FY24.   While a lot happened over the last financial year, the Aussie share market was mostly driven by a few (likely unsurprising factors): 1. Inflation 2. Interest Rates 3. China's sluggish economy (which hurt our mining stocks)   Another key catalyst for global share markets was the #AI boom, which started receiving a lot of attention around January this year. While it helped some of our tech stocks lift, the industry's unprecedented growth led US stocks to repeated record highs.  

The RBA kept the cash rate at a 12-year high of 4.35%, as expected, where they have been since a hike in November last year. Here’s what you need to know: Wrapping up its June meeting, the RBA Board repeated that it was “not ruling anything in or out” on policy, implying a neutral stance. Policymakers also reiterated "the need to remain vigilant to upside risks to inflation." It also noted recent domestic economic data had been “mixed”, with inflation remaining above target, despite “slow” economic (GDP) growth, rising unemployment and “weaker-than-expected” wages growth. Policymakers added, “Recent budget outcomes may also have an impact on demand, although federal and state energy rebates will temporarily reduce headline inflation,” while conceding that “the persistence of services price inflation is a key uncertainty.” A first quarter-point easing is not fully priced until April 2025, with only 52 basis points of cuts seen by the end of 2025. Australian shares advanced on Tuesday. The S&P/ASX 200 index eased from session highs of 7,780.4 points just ahead of the RBA’s decision to 7,764 points but was up 71 points or 0.9% to 7,771.6 points at the time of writing. CommBank (CBA) Group economists believe the August Board meeting is potentially ‘live’ following the release of June quarter consumer prices. Our base case sees the RBA on hold until November 2024 where we have pencilled in the start of an easing cycle. To learn more about today’s interest rate decision, listen in to the evening episode of the CommSec Market update. Available wherever you get your podcasts. #RBA #interestrates

Did you know there are five US companies that individually are larger than the entire Australian share market? These companies form part of a group called the Magnificent 7. The Magnificent 7 are world leaders in technology. Their share prices have recently received a healthy boost from the artificial intelligence boom.

Look who’s back in the building 🙌   Coolabah Capital Investments CIO, Christopher J. recently joined Tom Piotrowski in the CommSec studio to talk all things inflation, interest rates and central bank policy, in his ruthlessly direct fashion.   You’ll find the full interview on our YouTube (there’s a link in the comments)

Two things that are unmatched when it comes to Tom Piotrowski. 1. Rich vocabulary 2. Iconic beard   Here’s 5 things you may not know about TommSec. 📈 What inspired you to pursue your career path?  There was probably a spark of ignition on a childhood trip to Sydney. My father took me to the Stock Exchange and the Zoo. It was the Stock Exchange that made an impression. The chalkies & screaming figures in shirtsleeves left an indelible mark. I remember being told ‘this is how things get built’. 💛 What’s been a favourite moment of your career so far?  I like to be an optimist; the best is yet to come.     📺  If you were on a reality TV show, what would it be?  The Long Way Around    📝 What’s an important skill that you think everyone should have?  Being able to knit. It combines creativity, focus & discipline. At the end you get a nice warm jumper.   🏍️  When the stock market sleeps, what’s your favourite way to spend your free time?  Shopping for soft furnishings – that’s what my darling likes to do. Riding a motorbike – that’s what I like to do.

Affectionately known as “Stevie” around the CommSec office, he’s our resident comedian and an expert at breaking down complex topics for the everyday investor.   Here’s 5 things you may not know about Steven Daghlian.   📈 What inspired you to pursue your career path?  Interest in investing, the desire for financial freedom and wanting to help others.   💛 What’s been a favourite moment of your career so far?  The launch of CommSec’s two new podcasts! 📺  If you were on a reality TV show, what would it be?  The Ultimate Fighter or The Voice. 📝 What’s an important skill that you think everyone should have?  Learning to invest, becoming a better listener and being kind.    🎤  When the stock market sleeps, what’s your favourite way to spend your free time?  I’m passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and love singing (not at the same time).

DroneShield (DRO) has been gaining popularity in recent months, earning a spot in our top 20 most researched stocks on the CommSec platform for 2024.   DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik recently joined Tom Piotrowski in the CommSec studio to discuss the significance of its counter drone technology, together with growth opportunities including via the framework agreement signed with NATO. Here’s a little bit of info about what DroneShield *actually* does.

#Lithium legend Ken Brinsden, CEO of Patriot Battery Metals talks about how the market continues to evolve. To watch the full conversation with Ken and Tom Piotrowski, head to the link in the comments 👇