Markets are navigating a familiar mix of macro and event risk with China growth signals, US inflation updates, central-bank guidance and earnings that will help confirm whether the growth narrative is broadening or narrowing.

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At a glance

• China: Q4 GDP + December activity + PBOC decision
• US: PCE inflation (date per current BEA schedule)
• Japan: BOJ decision (JPY/carry sensitivity)
• Earnings: tech, industrials, energy, materials in focus
• Gold: near record highs (yields/USD/geopolitics watch)

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Geopolitics remain fluid. Any escalation could shift risk sentiment quickly and produce price action that diverges from current baselines.

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China

• China Q4 GDP: Monday, 19 January at 1:00 pm (AEDT)
• Retail sales: Monday, 19 January at 1:00 pm (AEDT)
• PBOC policy decision: Monday, 19 January at 12.30 pm (AEDT)

China’s Q4 GDP and December activity data, together with the PBOC decision, will shape expectations for China's growth momentum and the durability of policy support.

Market impact

• Commodity-linked FX: AUD and NZD may react if growth expectations or the policy tone shifts.
• Equities: The Shanghai Composite, Hang Seng and ASX 200 could respond to any change in how investors view demand and stimulus traction.
• Commodities: Industrial metals and oil may move on any reassessment of China-linked demand.

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US

• PCE Inflation: Friday, 23 January at 2:00 am (AEDT)
• PSI:  Friday, 23 January at 2:00 am (AEDT)
• S&P Flash (PMI): Saturday, 24 January at 1:45 am (AEDT)
• Netflix: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 8:00 am (AEDT)

The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge and a key input for rate expectations and (by extension) Treasury yields, the USD, and growth stocks. Markets are likely to focus on whether the reading changes the inflation path that is currently priced, rather than simply matching consensus.

Market impact

• USD: May move if rate expectations shift, particularly against JPY and EUR.
• US equities: Growth and small caps, including the Nasdaq and Russell 2000, may be sensitive if the data or interpretation challenge the current rate outlook.
• Gold futures: May be influenced indirectly via moves in Treasury yields and the USD.

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Japan

Key reports

• Inflation: Friday, 23 January at 10:30 am (AEDT)
• Bank of Japan (BoJ) Interest Rate Meeting: Friday, 23 January at ~2:00 pm (AEDT)

Markets will focus on what the BOJ signals about inflation, wages and the policy path. A shift in tone can move JPY quickly and flow through to broader risk via carry positioning.

Market impact:

• JPY/USD pairs and crosses: Pairs are sensitive to any guidance change and the USD/JPY has broken above 158, but the move could reverse if the BOJ strikes a more hawkish tone.
• Japan equities and global sentiment: Could react if the dynamics shift.
• Broader risk assets: May be influenced via moves in the USD and volatility conditions.

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US earnings

• Netflix: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 8:00 am (AEDT)

• Johnson & Johnson: Wednesday, 21 January at 10:20 pm (AEDT)
• Intel Corporation: Thursday, 22 January at 8:00 am (AEDT)

A busy week of US earnings is expected with large-cap names across multiple sectors reporting. Early results and, importantly, forward guidance may help clarify whether growth is broadening or becoming more selective.

With the S&P 500 close to the psychological 7,000 level, earnings could be a catalyst for a fresh test of highs or a pullback if guidance disappoints.

Market impact

• Upside scenario: Results that exceed expectations and are supported by steady guidance could support sector and broader market sentiment.
• Downside scenario: Cautious guidance, particularly on margins and capex, could weigh on individual names and spill into broader indices if it becomes a repeated message.
• Read-through: Early reporters in each sector may influence expectations for related stocks, especially where peers have not yet provided updated guidance.
• Bottom line: This is a week where the market may trade the forward picture more than the rear-view numbers. The key is whether guidance supports the idea of broad, durable growth, or whether it points to a more selective backdrop as 2026 unfolds.

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Gold

Continued strength in gold may support gold equities and gold-linked ETFs relative to the broader market but geopolitical developments and policy uncertainty may influence demand for defensive assets.

A sustained reversal in gold could be interpreted by some market participants as a sign of improved risk confidence. The driver set matters, especially whether the move is led by yields, USD strength, or a fade in event risk.

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AI的热度持续已久， 我们看着英伟达股价上蹿下跳来到高位，很多朋友问我：“现在追高不敢，不买又怕踏空，到底该怎么办？”其实，在半导体这个巨大的星系里，如果说英伟达是最亮的恒星，那么 台积电(TSM) 就是维持整个星系运转的万有引力。就刚刚，台积电交出了一份堪称“炸裂”的成绩单。今天我们就来扒一扒，这位AI时代的“卖铲人”，到底还能不能买？

01赚钱能力：简直就是印钞机

我们要看一家公司好不好，先看它赚不赚钱，怎么赚的钱。台积电的数据，只能用“恐怖”来形容。

1. 营收：创历史新高根据最新的2025年Q4数据，台积电单季营收干到了 337亿美元，同比增长超 20%！ 这是什么概念？在全球经济还在复苏的时候，它跑出了百米冲刺的速度。这背后，全是AI 和高性能计算（HPC）的功劳。

2. 毛利率：62%！这才是最吓人的地方。做制造业的，通常赚的是辛苦钱，但台积电的毛利率高达62%。 这意味着什么？意味着它有着绝对的定价权。

3. 敢花钱，才敢赚钱。虽然赚得多，但台积电花钱也凶。预计2026年，为了建厂和研发2nm技术，它要砸进去 520亿-560亿美元。 这说明了什么？说明管理层极度看好未来，现在烧钱，是为了以后筑起更高的墙，让对手爬不进来。

02为什么要看多？逻辑很硬核

如果你问为什么看好台积电，理由就是不可替。

逻辑一：AI 时代的“独家水龙头”， 不管是 ChatGPT 还是自动驾驶，目前市面上所有最牛的 AI 芯片（英伟达、AMD、苹果），几乎 100% 都是台积电造的。 只要人类不停止发展 AI，台积电就是那个坐地收租的地主。

逻辑二：对手？一个能打的都没有，三星和英特尔虽然也在追赶，但在3nm 和即将到来的 2nm良率上，台积电依然遥遥领先。这不仅是技术优势，更是信任壁垒。

逻辑三：朋友圈太强大，看看它的客户名单：苹果、英伟达、高通……全是全球最有钱的科技巨头。这些大佬离不开台积电，这也保证了台积电的饭碗超级稳。

03风险在哪里？

地缘政治：这是房间里的大象。台海局势的一举一动，都会牵动股价。这是非市场因素，不可预测，也是压制台积电估值的最大原因。

现金流压力：刚才说了，一年砸500多亿美金建厂，这对现金流是个巨大的考验。如果宏观经济突然变冷，这些巨额投入可能会变成负担。

04总结：

现在的台积电，估值虽然不算“白菜价”，但考虑到它垄断级的地位，这个价格是合理的。它是半导体行业中，确定性最强的标的。考虑到地缘风险，不要一次性把子弹打光， 把它作为科技股的底仓配置，每当因为非基本面消息（比如政治新闻）导致股价大跌时，往往是最好的“捡带血筹码”的机会。

流水的科技巨头，铁打的台积电。在AI 的淘金热里，买把铲子防身，准没错。

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The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is one of the world's top 20 exchanges, hosting over 2,000 listed companies worth approximately $2 trillion.

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Quick Facts:

• The ASX operates as Australia's primary stock exchange, combining market trading, clearinghouse operations, and trade and payment settlement.
• It represents roughly 80% of the Australian equity market value through its flagship ASX 200 index.
• 2,000+ companies and 300+ ETFs are listed on the exchange, spanning from mining giants to tech innovators.

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How does the ASX work?

The ASX combines three critical functions in one system.

As a market operator, it provides the electronic platform where buyers and sellers meet. Trading occurs through a sophisticated computer system that matches orders in milliseconds, replacing the traditional floor-based trading that once defined stock exchanges globally.

The exchange also acts as a clearinghouse, ensuring trades settle correctly. When you buy shares, the ASX guarantees the transaction completes, managing the transfer of securities and funds between parties.

Finally, it serves as a payments facilitator, processing the money flows that accompany each trade. This integrated approach reduces settlement risk and keeps the market running smoothly.

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What are ASX trading hours?

The ASX operates from 10:00am to 4:00pm Sydney time (AEST/AEDT) on business days, with a pre-open phase from 7:00am. 

Stocks open alphabetically in staggered intervals starting at 10:00am, followed by continuous trading until the closing auction at 4:00pm. 

The exchange observes Australian public holidays and adjusts for daylight saving time between October and April, which can affect coordination with international markets.

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Top ASX Indices

S&P/ASX 200

This is the exchange's flagship index. It tracks the 200 largest companies by market capitalisation and represents approximately 80% of Australia's equity market.

It serves as the primary benchmark for most investors and fund managers and is rebalanced quarterly to ensure it reflects the current market leaders.

All Ordinaries Index

Commonly called the All Ords, this index covers the top 500 companies on the ASX. 

It provides broader market exposure than the S&P/ASX 200, capturing roughly 80-90% of total market value. 

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The 11 ASX sectors

The ASX also breaks down into 11 sector-specific indices, allowing investors to track performance in areas like financials, materials, healthcare, and technology. 

These indices can help identify which parts of the Australian economy are strengthening or weakening.

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1. Financials dominates as the largest sector, driven by Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, and ANZ. These banking giants provide lending, wealth management, and insurance services across Australia.
2. Materials ranks second, led by mining powerhouses BHP and Rio Tinto. This sector extracts and processes resources, including iron ore, coal, copper, and gold.
3. Consumer Discretionary includes retailers, media companies, and hospitality groups that benefit when household spending rises.
4. Industrials encompasses construction firms, airlines, and professional services businesses.
5. Healthcare features companies like CSL, a global biotech leader, and Cochlear, which produces hearing implants.
6. Real Estate features property developers and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that own and manage commercial and residential assets.
7. Communication Services includes telecommunications providers like Telstra alongside media and entertainment companies.
8. Energy tracks oil and gas producers (many renewable energy companies typically fall under utilities).
9. Consumer Staples covers essential goods providers like supermarkets and food producers.
10. Information Technology includes software developers and IT services firms.
11. Utilities covers electricity, gas, and water suppliers, including renewable energy.

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Top ASX companies

Three companies consistently lead the S&P/ASX 200 by market capitalisation.

Commonwealth Bank (Mkt cap: A$259 bln)

Commonwealth Bank holds the top position on the ASX as Australia's biggest lender. 

Founded in 1911 and fully privatised by 1996, CBA offers retail banking, business lending, wealth management, and insurance.

Its performance often signals the health of the domestic economy.

BHP Group (Mkt cap: A$241 bln)

BHP Group stands as the world's largest mining company. 

Its diversified portfolio spans iron ore, copper, coal, and nickel operations globally. 

It serves as a bellwether for Australian commodity markets.

CSL Limited (Mkt cap: A$182 bln)

CSL Limited leads the Australian healthcare sector as a global biotech firm. 

Established in 1916, CSL develops treatments for rare diseases and manufactures influenza vaccines. 

The company demonstrates Australian innovation competing on the world stage.

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The ASX's role in Australia's economy

The ASX serves as a vital mechanism for capital formation in Australia. It tends to provide price signals that reflect market expectations. 

When share prices rise, it suggests optimism about economic conditions. Falling markets may indicate concerns about future growth.

Australian companies raise funds through initial public offerings and follow-on share sales on the ASX, using proceeds to expand operations, fund research, or pay down debt.

Investors in these shares benefit from potential capital gains and dividend income. Many Australians build retirement savings through superannuation funds that invest heavily in ASX-listed companies.

Employment in financial services also depends partly on a healthy stock market. Brokers, analysts, fund managers, and supporting roles exist because of active capital markets.

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Key takeaways

The ASX functions as a market operator, clearinghouse, and payments facilitator, providing the infrastructure that enables capital formation and supports retirement savings for millions of Australians.

Its flagship index, the S&P/ASX 200, tracks the 200 largest companies and captures about 80% of market capitalisation, while the All Ordinaries index covers the top 500. 

Financials and Materials dominate the exchange, led by Commonwealth Bank, BHP, and CSL, reflecting Australia's strength in banking and resources.

You can trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index CFD and over 230 ASX Share CFDs on GO Markets.