Pre-Market Report – Friday 18 July: US markets hit new records on earnings and data | Graphite in focus

Wall Street recorded a positive session against a backdrop of positive economic surprises. Retail sales rising more than expected and jobless claims falling, while major AI company Taiwan Semiconductors beat earnings expectations. S&P 500 up 0.54%, hitting new highs. Nasdaq up 0.75%. Dow started volatile, seesawing up and down, but found consistent strength from about 1pm onwards. Ended near high, up 230 points. Strong sector breadth. REITS flat and Healthcare dropped after being top performer yesterday, otherwise all sectors up. Financials the best performer, boosted by strong earnings this week. Industrials and Cyclicals followed, both economically sensitive, earnings and retail sales both pointing to the resilience and strength of the US consumer.

ASX to rise. SPI futures up 32 points (+0.37%). BHP Production report - Graphite to shine.

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