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S&P/ASX 200 to rise – Trump’s positive COVID-19 test sparks volatility

The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) is expected to open higher on Monday according to ASX futures. Here’s what investors need to know.

Trump’s positive COVID-19 test sparks volatility

Volatility is on the rise, the ASX 200 falling 1.2% at the open on Friday before gradually recovering. The index then capitulated on the news of President Trump’s positive COVID-19 test as investors quickly shifted to a risk-off mood.

The ASX 200 finished the day 1.4% lower and down 2.9% for the week, the worst week since April.

Energy was the worst hit, Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) falling 4.3% on Friday, as oil prices continued to slide and the AUD tumbled on the news.

The sell-off appears to be an overreaction, particularly given Biden’s favouritism and the fact it will have little economic impact.

On the positive side, Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) announced an exclusivity agreement with Logos Property Group in relation to the potential sale of its Moorebank Logistics Terminal. This came at the same time that Patrick’s standoff with the unions was called off; in my view, this remains an undervalued strategic asset.

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Mesoblast shattered, Lendlease under pressure

The share price of biotech Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) fell 37.2% on Friday after the US FDA announced a secondary trial would be required for its remestemcel-L treatment, spooking investors. The sector remains one driven by sentiment and regulatory assessment, it is not for the risk-averse.

Retail sales fell 4.0% from July levels, not unexpected given lockdowns in Victoria; but reflecting the importance of removing restrictions sooner rather than later.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) appears to be coming under pressure from its pension fund investors, cutting the valuation of the properties in its Australian Prime Property Retail Fund by over 23%. This comes after the group delayed redemption requests and suggests its asset management business may be under pressure. One to avoid given the uncertainty around property development and valuations of unlisted assets.

Elsewhere, asset manager Janus Henderson Group (ASX: JHG) was one of the leaders this week, adding 16.7% after an activist US investor appeared as a 9.9% shareholder. Perhaps AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) is next?

Going global

US markets were rattled on news that President Trump had been moved to hospital as a precaution; the S&P 500 down 1.0% and the Nasdaq 2.2% on Friday.

Yet this wasn’t enough to stop another positive week for markets – the S&P 500 finished 1.5% higher and small caps recovered, posting their best week in two months as trading conditions continued to normalise.

European markets were the highlight, posting a 2.2% gain for the week, despite a spate of lockdown restrictions expanding through the region.

My three takeaways from the week

My first takeaway this week is that both the M&A and IPO markets are alive and well. The end of 2020 is likely to see a boom in businesses coming to market for fresh capital. But as always, ‘buyer beware’ and ensure you take a close look at the fine print and overly optimistic expectations.

Secondly, a reminder that election results don’t end the world and polls should not be relied upon. We are all prone to finding binary outcomes from major events, but as we saw after the 2016 election, life goes on and there are ultimately winners and losers in every situation. Now is clearly the time for active management.

Finally, hopes of a global energy recovery have been dashed. A ballooning second wave will see international travel remain on hold for longer than expected, placing even more pressure on airlines, travel companies and tourism-driven economies.

This article was written by Drew Meredith, Financial Adviser and Director of Wattle Partners. To get in contact with Drew, click here to visit the Wattle Partners website.

The Golden Rules of Investing

We might be experts in retirement, but with combined financial advice experience of 35+ years, we’ve nearly seen it all. 

In mid-2023, our senior team at Wattle Partners Financial Planning put the finishing touches on a brand-new report “The Golden Rules of Investing“.

In this free report, we outline the key principles that determine all of the portfolio construction and investment decisions of Wattle Partners. Collated over decades, this paper should be seen as a work-in-progress, constantly under review in light of the ever-evolving nature of markets. 

You’ll find the free report on my Author page. Simply click the button below to view the Golden Rules.

Information warning: The information on this website is published by The Rask Group Pty Ltd (ABN: 36 622 810 995) is limited to factual information or (at most) general financial advice only. That means, the information and advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not specific to you, your needs, goals or objectives. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide before using this website. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (#1280930) of AFSL #383169.


Disclosure: At the time of publishing, Drew does not have a financial or commercial interest in any of the companies mentioned.

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Wattle Partners is a financial advice firm, servicing clients around Australia, specialising in retirement planning (pre and post retirement). 

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