ASX briefings — Thursday 16 July 2026

ASX 200 set to open 0.15% higher as softer US inflation lifts tech and gold: 16 July 2026

Wall Street closed higher on a softer US wholesale inflation print, the S&P 500 up 0.38% and the Nasdaq up 0.62% as Apple hit a record high on China AI approval. ASX SPI 200 futures point to a 0.15% higher open. Gold held near US$4,069, iron ore stayed firm near US$99 a tonne, and AUD/USD climbed above 0.70, a mild headwind for offshore earners.