Weekly Market Insights (24 April-01 May 2026)
- May 4
- 2 min read
Global Markets
Global markets adopted a cautiously positive tone, with gains in US equities offset by mixed performances elsewhere as investors balanced strong corporate earnings, rising energy prices, and geopolitical risks.
Equities:
US markets advanced, with the S&P 500 rising as strong earnings supported sentiment despite ongoing Middle East tensions.
Australian equities declined, weighed down by inflation concerns, global uncertainty, and weaker offshore signals.
European markets were mixed, with the FTSE falling on sector‑specific weakness while Germany’s DAX rose on solid corporate results and firm economic data.
Asian markets eased, as Hong Kong and Japan slipped due to rising energy costs and weak factory output.
Bonds:
US, UK, and Australian 10‑year bond yields rose, reflecting higher oil prices, firm inflation expectations, and stronger economic data.
China’s bond yields fell, supported by ample liquidity and safe‑haven demand amid global uncertainty.
Currencies:
The US dollar eased slightly but remained firm, underpinned by inflation expectations and geopolitical risks.
The Australian dollar stayed steady, with rate‑hike expectations offsetting weaker market sentiment.
The euro edged lower, while the Chinese yuan remained stable.
Commodities
Commodity markets were volatile and mixed, heavily influenced by energy prices:
Oil prices surged sharply, rising over 13% on escalating supply risks tied to stalled US–Iran negotiations and shipping concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.
Gold and copper declined, pressured by a stronger US dollar, higher energy‑driven inflation expectations, and reduced safe‑haven demand.
Aluminium also fell, while
Cocoa eased slightly on improved West African supply prospects, and
Coffee prices slipped due to expectations of increased global supply.
PNG Local Market
PNG markets remained subdued but orderly, with lower trading activity and largely unchanged prices.
Stock Market:
Total market turnover declined to approximately K343,000, with volumes easing to about 78,000 shares, reflecting softer investor participation.
BSP, CCP, and NEM remained flat, while KSL recorded a marginal gain and remained the most actively traded stock by value.
Pacific Lime & Cement (PLC) rose 2.86%, while Kina Asset Management (KAM) also posted a small gain.
Trading was more evenly spread across stocks, indicating broader participation despite lower overall activity.
Corporate Updates:
Newmont released its 2025 Sustainability and Taxes & Royalties reports, highlighting US$17.8 billion in global economic contributions, including taxes, wages, and community investment.
Kina Securities announced senior management changes effective late May, strengthening finance, governance, and wealth management leadership.
Treasury Bills
Treasury bill issuance declined to PGK210 million, primarily to roll over maturing debt rather than expand borrowing.
Issuance continued to favour longer‑dated maturities, with the 364‑day bill accounting for the majority of funds raised.
Interest rates eased modestly across all tenors, signalling stable liquidity conditions and balanced market demand.
Overall Takeaway
Global markets were supported by strong US equity performance and surging oil prices but constrained by inflation pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, PNG’s domestic markets remained quiet and stable, with lower equity turnover, steady share prices, and gently easing treasury bill rates, reflecting cautious but resilient investor sentiment.
For a detailed breakdown of market performance, economic data, and treasury auction results, download the complete report.