Weekly Market Insights (17-24 April 2026)

Apr 27
2 min read

Global Markets

Global financial markets delivered mixed results, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tension, higher energy prices, and inflation concerns.

Equities:
- US and Japanese markets advanced, supported by better sentiment around potential US–Iran dialogue and strong technology sector performance. The S&P 500 reached a new record high.
- Australian and European markets declined, weighed down by inflation fears, higher energy costs, and global political risks.
- Asian markets were mixed, with Japan posting strong gains while Hong Kong retreated amid higher oil prices and global uncertainty.
Bonds:
- US and UK 10‑year yields rose, driven by higher energy prices and persistent inflation expectations.
- Australian and Chinese yields eased, supported by safe‑haven demand and comparatively softer inflation pressures.
Currencies:
- The US dollar remained firm, underpinned by safe‑haven demand amid geopolitical uncertainty.
- The Australian dollar, euro, and Chinese yuan weakened, pressured by rising energy‑driven inflation risks and cautious investor sentiment.

Commodities

Commodity markets were volatile and mixed:

Oil prices surged sharply, climbing over 12% as supply risks intensified due to stalled diplomatic talks and continued shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
Gold prices fell heavily, as higher energy costs and inflation concerns reduced investor appetite.
Coffee prices dropped significantly, reflecting easing supply concerns after recent price spikes.
Copper edged lower, while aluminium and cocoa posted modest gains.

PNG Local Market

PNG markets became significantly more active, driven by large institutional trades and strong liquidity conditions.

Stock Market:
- Total market turnover rose sharply to approximately K31 million, up from K2.2 million the previous week, with volumes increasing to about 1.6 million shares.
- BSP dominated trading, accounting for roughly K28 million in value, although its share price declined 2.18%, indicating heavy turnover alongside price softening.
- Trading remained concentrated, with KSL and CCP accounting for most of the remaining activity, while other stocks saw minimal trading.
- NGIP Agmark Limited announced a final dividend of 19 toea per share, bringing total FY2025 dividends to 23 toea, reflecting strong operating performance.
Treasury Bills:
- Treasury bill auctions were heavily oversubscribed, with bids of around K580 million against K210 million offered, demonstrating strong system liquidity.
- Demand was strongest for 364‑day bills, highlighting investor preference for longer‑term yields amid expectations of stable interest rates.
- Yields remained broadly stable, with no meaningful upward pressure across maturities.

Overall Takeaway

Global markets were shaped by geopolitical risk, rising oil prices, and inflation concerns, resulting in mixed equity and bond performance. In contrast, PNG markets showed strong underlying liquidity and investor confidence, evident in sharply higher equity turnover and heavily oversubscribed treasury bill auctions, even as share price movements were mixed.

For a detailed breakdown of market performance, economic data, and treasury auction results, download the complete report.