
The global macroeconomic backdrop shifted notably in the week ending 23 November 2025, contributing to a significant risk-off sentiment that heavily impacted Australian equities. In the United States, a mixed labour market report showing rising unemployment alongside stronger-than-expected job additions, combined with firm Services PMI data and Federal Reserve minutes signalling a delay in rate cuts, led to a repricing of interest rate expectations.

Global markets rallied on hopes of a resolution to the U.S. government shutdown, though the Fed's caution dampened expectations for a December rate cut. In Australia, robust employment data and a resilient labour market have reduced near-term expectations of an RBA rate cut. The ASX posted its weakest week in four months amid sector rotation and global tech selloffs.