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Weekly Market Insights (27 March - 03 April 2026)

  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Global Markets

Global markets improved as signs of easing Middle East tensions boosted risk appetite, reduced safe‑haven demand, and pushed bond yields lower.


  • Equities:

    • US and European markets rose strongly, led by gains in financials, industrials, and travel stocks following ceasefire signals between the US and Iran.

    • Australian equities edged higher, supported by positive offshore leads.

    • Asian markets were mixed, with Hong Kong gaining on improved sentiment while Japan declined due to lingering geopolitical uncertainty and elevated energy costs.

  • Bonds:

    • Government bond yields fell across major markets (US, Australia, UK, and China) as easing geopolitical risks lowered inflation concerns and increased demand for safer assets.

  • Currencies:

    • The US dollar weakened, reflecting reduced safe‑haven demand.

    • The Australian dollar strengthened on improved global risk sentiment.

    • The euro remained stable, while the Chinese yuan softened slightly amid shifting interest‑rate expectations.


Commodities

Commodity markets were mixed but volatile:

  • Oil prices surged sharply, driven by supply disruption fears linked to the Iran conflict and risks to Gulf shipping routes.

  • Gold and copper recorded strong gains, supported by a weaker US dollar and improved global growth outlook.

  • Coffee prices declined, as expectations of higher global supply and the upcoming Brazilian harvest weighed on prices.

  • Industrial metals overall benefited from improved sentiment, while energy continued to drive inflation risk.


PNG Local Market

The PNG market was quieter compared to the previous week, with stable pricing and reduced turnover.

  • Stock Market:

    • Trading activity eased, with value falling to around K3.5 million and volumes declining, reflecting lower investor participation.

    • Share prices were largely unchanged, with BSP and CCP flat, and only a marginal rise in KSL.

    • Trading activity was more evenly distributed across BSP, CCP, and KSL compared with earlier weeks.

  • Corporate Update:

    • Newmont Corporation announced its Q1 2026 results release and investor call scheduled for late April.


Treasury Bills

  • Issuance slowed, with PGK287 million offered, mainly to refinance maturing debt rather than expand borrowing.

  • The government continued to favour longer‑term bills, particularly the 364‑day tenor.

  • Interest rates remained broadly stable, with slight easing in shorter‑dated bills, indicating steady demand and stable funding conditions.


Overall Takeaway

Improving global sentiment driven by hopes of reduced geopolitical tensions lifted equities and commodities while easing bond yields. In contrast, PNG markets were calm and stable, marked by lower trading activity, steady prices, and unchanged interest rates—signalling cautious but resilient investor confidence.

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


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