Markets Brief: IMF Urges Australian Tax Reset as Nvidia Powers Ahead and FX Moves Intensify
A flurry of macro signals and corporate milestones set the tone for global markets, with policy recommendations in Australia, standout tech earnings, and sharp currency moves capturing investor attention. While growth prospects are improving in parts of the world economy, policymakers are emphasizing fiscal discipline and financial stability to navigate persistent inflation and fragile consumer sentiment.
In Australia, the IMF called for a comprehensive tax overhaul to rein in rising public debt, urging a revival of a mining tax, a higher GST, and the removal of exemptions. The Fund also pressed for tighter government spending and stronger national coordination, even as economic growth is projected to strengthen in 2025–26. Australia’s prudential regulator reinforced the caution, warning major banks not to loosen mortgage lending standards amid falling rates and rising competition. A recent system-wide stress test indicated resilience across banks and super funds, but high household leverage remains a key vulnerability for financial stability.
Corporate earnings and equities momentum stayed in focus after Nvidia delivered a blowout quarter, reporting approximately $57 billion in Q3 revenue and guiding to around $65 billion for Q4. Management highlighted exceptional demand for Blackwell and cloud GPUs, with visibility to roughly $500 billion in next-generation chip revenue through 2026. Against that backdrop, Barclays lifted its 2026 S&P 500 target to 7,400, citing the strength of megacap technology and potential support from Federal Reserve rate cuts, while flagging risks from inflation pressures, rising unemployment, and weak demand beyond the tech sector.
Currency markets were active as China’s central bank was expected to set the daily USD/CNY reference rate near 7.1201, signaling a steady hand on the yuan. In Japan, authorities pledged vigilant market monitoring as the yen weakened on expectations of substantial fiscal stimulus. In the UK, consumer confidence recorded its sharpest decline since April, with economic expectations and personal finance sentiment deteriorating ahead of the government’s late-November budget, as households grapple with tax concerns and ongoing cost pressures.
Key Points – IMF urges Australia to revive a mining tax, lift GST, and remove exemptions to curb debt and improve fiscal coordination. – APRA warns Australian banks against loosening mortgage standards despite competitive pressures and lower rates. – Nvidia posts a major beat with about $57B in Q3 revenue and guides Q4 to roughly $65B, citing surging GPU demand. – Barclays raises its 2026 S&P 500 target to 7,400, supported by megacap tech strength and expected Fed cuts, but notes macro risks. – PBOC expected to set USD/CNY fix near 7.1201; Japan steps up yen monitoring amid stimulus expectations. – UK consumer confidence falls sharply on tax worries and cost pressures ahead of the national budget.
