Australian Shares Set to Open Higher After Fed Holds Rates
ASX futures point to a firmer open for Australian stocks after the Fed held rates, while inflation data lifted bets on an RBA hike next week.
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what happened
Australian shares are expected to open higher, according to Market Talk, after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged. ASX futures gained 0.4% ahead of Thursday's session, pointing to a resumption of the S&P/ASX 200's recent climb after the index ended Wednesday roughly flat.
The benchmark is up 0.6% for the week, but its advance stalled as inflation figures raised the odds of a Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike next week. Before the open, conglomerate Wesfarmers said sales growth at its key Bunnings hardware chain has slowed in recent weeks.
why it matters
Inflation data has raised expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia could lift rates as soon as next week, which is capping the index's gains. The slowdown in Bunnings sales growth is also a useful read on consumer demand in Australia.
market impact
Australian equities: the Fed pause supports futures, while RBA hike bets weigh on the index
- S&P/ASX 200 mixed — the Fed pause supports futures, but expectations of an RBA hike hold back gains
instruments
sources
- Australia Shares on Track to Rise at the Open — Market Talk, 28 October 2026 at 23:01 UTC
prepared by the newsmetry newsroom with ai assistance from the sources listed below. not investment advice.
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