Rise and Shine: Everything you need to know before the ASX opens

Good morning! Here’s everything you need to know before the ASX flings open its doors and begins trading today.

Everything you need to know before the ASX opens. Pic: Getty Images.

Good morning everyone and welcome to Rise and Shine on Monday, May 12, 2025. Here's what you should know before the ASX opens today…

Stocks

ASX futures are pointing up by 0.2% at 7am AEST this morning, looking to shake off last week’s stumble.

On Friday, Wall Street wrapped up its week a bit on edge after a massive US$6 trillion run. The S&P 500 edged down 0.07%, and the Nasdaq barely budged, closing flat.

The weekend trade talks between the US and China only added to the uncertainty, keeping traders on their toes.

But Tesla didn’t seem to care, it ripped over 5%, finally breaking through its 200-day moving average.

Over in Europe, Germany’s DAX managed to claw back its losses, a sign that at least some markets are shaking off the trade jitters.

China-US trade talk

Over the weekend, senior US and Chinese negotiators kicked off two days of high-stakes talks aimed at cooling down their bruising trade war.

Trump didn’t waste time declaring victory, jumping on Truth Social on Saturday to say it was a “very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland."

“We want to see, for the good of both China and the US, an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!”

Trump also said that slapping an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right", compared to the current 145%.

On the ASX, miners, energy, and even agriculture stocks exposed to China could see a lift if there’s even a hint of tariffs easing. Traders should be watching every headline here.

Gold and copper

Gold had a solid week as the US dollar lost a bit of steam.

And with tensions flaring between India and Pakistan and Trump toying with tariff hikes, investors sought out the safe haven.

Copper also climbed as Chinese buyers faced tighter supply.

Shanghai inventories have been draining, not quite at last month’s breakneck pace, but enough to keep prices strong.

Gold and copper mining stocks could be ones to watch today.

Oil

Energy related stocks could also be in the winners’ circle after crude prices got a jolt on Friday, with Brent and WTI both climbing by 2%.

OPEC+ is planning to bump production, but for now, oil’s riding high on trade optimism.

Let’s see if that momentum holds this week.

ASX earnings

The ASX is set for a busy week of earnings.

Life360 (ASX:360), Almonty Industries (ASX:AII), and Kincora Copper (ASX:KCC) will kick things off today.

They might not be household names, but their results will still be watched closely in a market this sensitive. Any stumble could send ripples through the ASX.

So it’s all lined up for a tense week, and all eyes will be fixed on the screens.

COMMODITY/FOREX/CRYPTO MARKET PRICES

• Gold: US$3324.25/oz (+0.24%)
• Silver: US$32.71/oz (+0.87%)
• Iron Ore: US$98.55/t(+0.33%)
• Nickel (3mth): US$15,804 (+1.73%)
• Copper (3mth): US$9445.50 (+0.15%)
• Zinc: US$2655.90 (+1.06%)
• Oil (WTI): US$61.02 (+1.85%)
• Oil (Brent): US$63.91 (+1.70%)
• AUD/USD: 0.6414 (+0.15%)
• Bitcoin: US$104,353 (+0.5%)

What got you talking

South Australia-focused mineral sands explorer @petrathermltd has strengthened its board with resources and financial markets experience with the addition of former Alicanto Minerals MD Rob Sennitt to the role of executive director. https://t.co/MXhEc2LH2Q #ASX #mining $PTR

— Stockhead (@StockheadAU) May 9, 2025

Also in the news...

• Healthcare and life sciences expert Scott Power, a senior analyst with Morgans Financial for 27 years, offers his 'Powerplay' ASX healthcare sector stock pick.
• The copper market is heating up, but the sector is experiencing a new level of complexity as the resident bellwether commodity.

Trading halts

VHM (ASX:VHM) – cap raise

Raptis Group (ASX: RPG) – cap raise

At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Petra Thermal is a Stockhead advertiser, it did not sponsor this article.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as Rise and Shine: Everything you need to know before the ASX opens