Are we soon to see a skyrocketing Aussie stock market?

Will the Aussie stock market follow the lead of American stock markets following the US election?

| More on:
Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.

Image source: Getty Images

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

By all measures, the Australian stock market has had a fantastic year over 2024 so far. Year to date, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen by 7.85%, which is a great innings for ASX shares by historical standards.

What's more, we've also seen the ASX 200 hit several new all-time highs this year. After first crossing the 8,000-point threshold for the first time ever back in August, the ASX hasn't looked back, with the current record now standing at 8,3845 points.

However, given that the American markets exploded higher, setting new records, following yesterday's American elections, many ASX investors might wonder whether ASX shares could skyrocket even higher.

Today, let's discuss how likely that might be.

Is the Aussie stock market set to skyrocket even higher?

First, it's important to note that neither I nor anybody else has any idea what the markets might do tomorrow, next week, or next year. The markets can move up or down for any number of reasons, and not all of them are logical or rational. As such, making predictions on what might or might not happen going forward is a highly fallible endeavour.

But we'll persist regardless.

Unfortunately, I see few catalysts remaining that could meaningfully raise the Aussie stock market from its current levels.

The ASX 200 is dominated by the big four ASX banks, which together make up four of the six largest holdings right now.

The big four banks' share prices have exploded higher over the past 12 months or so, which largely accounts for the ASX 200's impressive performance. Despite these gains, however, their recent earnings have been mediocre.

Back in August, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) reported lower profits for its 2024 financial year compared to FY2023. Just today, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) revealed a similar story.

If the banks' profits aren't growing, it's optimistic, in my view anyway, to think their share prices will.

US election unlikely to benefit the ASX

Additionally, we have to consider why the US markets are reacting positively to Donald Trump's reelection. Two of Trump's core election promises are a significant reduction in the American corporate tax rate and the imposition of higher tariffs on imports entering the US economy.

A lower American tax rate for companies will only benefit US stocks, not ones domiciled in Australia. In fact, it may even hurt the Australian economy, given our corporate tax rate is already far higher than what American companies face. As such, I don't see too much upside for ASX shares if this tax cut is indeed carried out.

Meanwhile, American tariffs don't bring good news for the Australian economy either. Australia could get lucky and, as a US ally, receive an exemption from some or all of these tariffs. But even so, conventional economic wisdom dictates that tariffs are harmful to global trade and, thus, economic growth.

China will almost certainly not gain any favourable treatment from any tariffs, and a slower Chinese economy doesn't exactly bode well for the Aussie share market either.

Putting all of these factors together, it is hard (at least for this writer) to see ASX shares move meaningfully higher from here. Of course, I could be wrong. But that's how the landscape is looking to me.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in National Australia Bank. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

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

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a volatile, but positive, day for ASX shares this Thursday.

Read more »

A cloud with a blue arrow pointing upwards through its middle symbolising a rising asx share price
Record Highs

Xero and 2 other ASX tech shares cracking all-time highs on Thursday

The price peaks follow a significant lift in the NASDAQ overnight following Republican Donald Trump's US election victory.

Read more »

A US flag behind a graph, indicating investment in US shares
Share Market News

What the US election outcome means for ASX shares

ASX shares are having a mixed reaction to the US election results today.

Read more »

Excited group of friends sitting on sofa watching sports on TV and celebrating.
Share Gainers

Why Block, GQG, Neuren, and Sigma shares are racing higher today

These shares are rising on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A woman with short brown hair and wearing a yellow top looks at the camera with a puzzled and shocked look on her face as the Westpac share price goes down for no reason today
Share Fallers

Why Clearview, NAB, Resolute Mining, and Westpac shares are dropping today

These shares are under pressure today. But why?

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Market News

Appen share price lifts 5% on oversubscribed SPP results

The technology company has announced the results of its Share Purchase Plan.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Bank Shares

Why is the Bendigo Bank share price tanking today?

There are a few things that could be driving this bank lower today.

Read more »

Male building supervisor wearing high vis vest and hard hat stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site
Broker Notes

1 ASX 300 stock just upgraded by brokers (and 2 downgraded)

Here's the latest ratings changes.

Read more »