3 things ASX investors should watch this week

Let's take a look at the most important events for the stock market coming in the next few days.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Once again there is much to keep an eye on for the sake of your ASX shares.

These are the three most critical ones to monitor, according to eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert:

A man and a woman sit in front of a laptop looking fascinated and captivated.

Image source: Getty Images

1. Australia's unemployment rate

The latest jobs numbers will be released on Thursday, which Gilbert calls a "key piece of the Reserve Bank of Australia's puzzle".

"Although the RBA wants to see unemployment rise, they don't want to see it spike," he said.

"Philip Lowe has mentioned several times that the board would rather not be too aggressive and preserve gains in the labour market."

In the face of 12 interest rate rises in just over a year, the labour market has held remarkably resilient thus far. 

In fact, Gilbert pointed out how the unemployment rate actually dropped last month.

"This week the RBA will be hoping for a softer employment number to vindicate their decision to keep rates on hold," he said.

"A slowing of the labour market would be welcomed by investors, with that data likely to reaffirm that the RBA may be done with raising rates after August."

2. Updates from mining giants

As something like a preview of the August reporting season, mining companies BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) will provide operational updates on Thursday and Tuesday respectively.

"Both have struggled in the last three months, with shares down around 5% in both instances in part due to China's ailing property market," said Gilbert.

"Iron ore prices, however, have picked up in the last week with more hope that China may begin to deliver the economic aid it badly needs."

The real meaty data will come next month, but investors will still want to take note of the output numbers from these resources giants this week.

"[There's] potential commentary from management teams about China's tepid recovery and how they see the current landscape."

3. Tesla and Netflix quarterly earnings

Two US stocks that are wildly popular with Australian investors will both be revealing their latest performance figures on Thursday morning Australian time.

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA)'s record vehicle deliveries in the quarter ending June have set high expectations for the coming financial update.

"With shares climbing by 120% this year, there's little margin for error, and it will be margins that the street will focus on," said Gilbert.

"Tesla's impressive automotive margins have been falling as of late, and more so in 2023, with significant price cuts across its range."

A margin below 20% might deflate the stock.

"Investors should be prepared for it, given that Musk has said the business will focus on growth over profit."

A "solid" performance in the March quarter was seen as a turnaround for Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX), with the share price up more than 52% year to date.

This week's numbers could build on that substantially.

"Netflix is expected to add 1.9 million new subscribers, a far cry from the 1 million loss of subscribers in the same period last year," said Gilbert.

"The pick-up is thanks to the rollout of its ad-based tier and its password policies beginning to pay dividends. Revenue growth will be in focus after stalling in the last few years, but a strong print would set up the framework for a solid second half of the year."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netflix and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Frustrated man at computer desk.
Share Market News

5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

Only one of them is an energy stock.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Opinions

3 reasons to buy NAB shares today

Here's why I think the ASX bank stock is still a buy.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Broker Notes

Up 222% in a year, why this ASX energy share is forecast to more than double your money again

A leading broker forecasts more outsized gains to come from this rocketing ASX energy share. But why?

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands after seeing bad news on his laptop screen.
Broker Notes

3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA)

Let's see why they are bearish on these names this week.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Broker Notes

Should you buy this $8 billion ASX 200 copper stock amid surging global demand?

A leading analyst drills into the outlook for this $8 billion ASX copper miner.

Read more »

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Share Gainers

Why BHP, EchoIQ, Life360, and Qantas shares are racing higher today

These shares are having a solid session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today

These shares are out of form on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Concept image of a businessman riding a bull on an upwards arrow.
Share Market News

The ASX 200 is roaring back on Tuesday. Here's why

The ASX 200 is surging higher today. But why?

Read more »