Weekly Market Insights (10 - 17 July 2026)
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
Global Markets
Global markets delivered mixed performance, as softer US inflation supported currencies and bond markets, while geopolitical tensions and renewed weakness in technology stocks weighed on investor sentiment.
Equities:
US markets declined, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones falling as investors reassessed technology and AI valuations amid weaker sentiment and geopolitical uncertainty.
European markets were mixed, with the FTSE 100 gaining on strength in defensive sectors, while Germany’s DAX fell due to weakness in industrial, banking, consumer, and technology stocks.
Asian markets diverged, with Hong Kong rising strongly on optimism around technology stocks, while Japan declined amid semiconductor weakness and higher oil prices.
Australian equities edged lower, pressured by softer global technology sentiment and elevated energy prices.
Bonds:
US bond yields declined, supported by softer inflation data and increased demand for safe-haven assets.
UK and Australian yields rose, reflecting concerns that higher energy prices may keep inflation elevated for longer.
Chinese yields remained largely unchanged, as supportive policy measures offset concerns around slower economic growth.
Currencies:
The US dollar weakened slightly, as softer inflation reduced expectations of additional near-term Federal Reserve tightening.
The euro and Australian dollar strengthened, benefiting from broad US dollar weakness.
The Chinese yuan also strengthened modestly, supported by policy support and improving confidence in China's outlook.
Commodities
Commodity markets were mixed, with energy outperforming while agricultural and precious commodities weakened.
Crude oil was the strongest performer, surging more than 14% on renewed geopolitical tensions and concerns over global supply security.
Coal gained modestly, supported by seasonal demand and export constraints.
Aluminium rose slightly, helped by tightening inventories and supply deficit expectations.
Gold and copper declined, while agricultural commodities weakened as supply conditions improved:
Gold: -2.53%
Coffee: -4.17%
Cocoa: -8.77%
PNG Local Market
PNG’s market remained orderly and active, with trading heavily concentrated in a small number of stocks.
Stock Market:
Total turnover reached approximately K11.96 million from 6.23 million shares traded.
Pacific Lime & Cement (PLC) dominated activity, contributing K8.42 million in turnover and over 5.69 million shares traded.
Share price movements were mixed:
CPL was the best performer, gaining 11.76% to K0.95.
BSP rose 0.36% to K28.00.
CCP and KSL declined 0.21% each.
PLC, KAM, and NGP were unchanged.
Market activity continued to be concentrated in PLC and KSL, while most other stocks recorded limited movements.
Corporate Update:
Kina Securities (KSL) announced that CFO and Company Secretary Taiwo Fowowe had been appointed as the company's official representative and primary contact for ASX and PNGX communications.
Treasury Bills
The Treasury bill market remained stable, despite a net liquidity withdrawal from the financial system.
The government offered K270 million in Treasury Bills versus K204.28 million in maturing securities, resulting in a K65.72 million liquidity withdrawal.
Yield movements were minimal:
182-day: 4.85% (-0.03%)
273-day: 4.99% (+0.01%)
364-day: 5.01% (unchanged)
Stable yields suggest consistent investor demand and confidence in government securities despite tighter liquidity conditions.
Overall Takeaway
Global markets were influenced by softer US inflation, renewed geopolitical tensions, and continued technology-sector volatility, resulting in mixed equity and commodity performance. In PNG, market activity remained strong and concentrated in PLC, while Treasury bill auctions demonstrated stable demand, resilient liquidity conditions, and continued investor confidence in government securities.
For a detailed breakdown of market performance, economic data, and treasury auction results, download the complete report.