Market update: 22 April 2025
It was a strong week for the Australian market, with the ASX 200 finishing up 2.3%. Ten of the eleven major sectors landed in the green, led by Materials and Financials, both gaining 3.2%. A solid rebound in employment numbers added to the positive sentiment, as the labour market saw 32,200 new jobs created in March, recovering part of February’s unexpected decline.
Elsewhere, European equities bounced back, clawing back some of April’s earlier losses. The Euro Stoxx 600 rose 4.0%, the FTSE gained 3.9%, and the Euro Stoxx 50 climbed 3.1%. The ECB followed through with a quarter-point rate cut to 2.25%, while stressing a data-dependent approach going forward, amid softer economic growth expectations and ongoing trade uncertainty.
In the US, markets faced a turbulent week with all major indices finishing lower — the S&P 500 fell 1.5%, Nasdaq dropped 2.6%, and the Dow Jones slid 2.7%. Comments from Fed Chair Powell highlighted a cautious stance on future policy changes, particularly as trade tensions with China escalate. A renewed focus on tariffs is reshaping investor sentiment, with concerns that consumers might feel the brunt of this new chapter in trade policy.
In Asia, sentiment was brighter. The Nikkei gained 3.4% on optimism around potential US-Japan trade concessions, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and China’s Shanghai Composite rose 2.3% and 1.2%, respectively. Encouraging signals from Beijing about willingness to negotiate with Washington added to the positive mood across Greater China markets.
Don’t have the Raiz App?
Download it for free in the App store or the Webapp below:
Important Information
Raiz Invest Australia Limited – Authorised Representative of AFSL 434776. The Raiz Invest Australia Fund and Raiz Property Fund are issued in Australia by Instreet Investment Limited (ACN 128 813 016 AFSL 434776) a subsidiary of Raiz Invest Limited and promoted by Raiz Invest Australia Limited (ACN 604 402 815).
Raiz Invest Super is a Division of AMG Super and is issued by Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited (AFSL 229757, RSE Licence No L0001458) as Trustee of AMG Super.
The information is general information only and does not take into account of your personal financial situation, goals or needs. You should obtain financial advice tailored to your circumstances by a licensed financial adviser.
A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for Raiz Invest Australia Fund, Raiz Invest Super and Raiz Property Fund (together, the Products) are available on the Raiz Invest website and App. Please read and consider the PDS and TMD to understand the risks and determine if the Products are suitable for you. The risks and fees are fully set out in the PDS and include the risks that would ordinarily apply to investing.
Any returns shown or implied are not forecasts and are not reliable guides or predictors of future performance.
Under no circumstance is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of deciding about investing in the Products.
This information may be based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice and have not been independently verified.
Any opinions or information expressed are subject to change without notice.
Home loans are subject to approval from the lending institution and Raiz Home Ownership makes no warranties as to the success of an application until all relevant information has been provided.
Raiz Home Ownership Pty Ltd (ABN 14 645 876 937), an Australian Credit Representative number 528594 under Australian Credit Licence number 387025. Raiz Home Ownership Pty Ltd is 100% owned by Raiz Invest Australia Limited (ABN 26 604 402 815).
