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US stock markets rise, Microsoft ups dividend

All three US stock market indices posted strong recoveries in what has been a confused week of trading.

The Nasdaq and S&P 500 were both 0.8% higher with the Dow Jones adding 0.7%.

Oil remains a key contributor, albeit extremely volatile on a daily basis.

Casinos in China’s sight

The casino sector was sold off in late trading with Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) down over 6% after the Chinese government flagged further regulatory pressure on the world’s largest gambling hub in Macau.

The action continues the Environmental, Social and Governance approach of the government after pushing back on high-pressure teaching, gaming, social media and now gambling.

Featured: Rask’s (free!) ethical investing course

Microsoft ups dividend

Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) new iPhone 13 didn’t shock the world, delivering slight improvements. However, fellow tech giant Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) boosted its dividend by 11% for the quarter and increased its buyback, sending shares close to 2% higher.

US stock market movers

Here’s how other popular US stocks fared on Wednesday.

  • SentinelOne (NYSE: S) up 8.9%
  • Zendesk (NYSE: ZEN) up 5.6%
  • Snapchat (NYSE: SNAP) up 3.2%
  • Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) down 2.1%
  • Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) down 3.6%
  • Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) down 4.7%

Back home on the ASX, the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) is set to follow US markets higher at the open on Thursday. For all the latest, check out Rask Media’s ASX 200 morning report.

The Golden Rules of Investing

We might be experts in retirement, but with combined financial advice experience of 35+ years, we’ve nearly seen it all. 

In mid-2023, our senior team at Wattle Partners Financial Planning put the finishing touches on a brand-new report “The Golden Rules of Investing“.

In this free report, we outline the key principles that determine all of the portfolio construction and investment decisions of Wattle Partners. Collated over decades, this paper should be seen as a work-in-progress, constantly under review in light of the ever-evolving nature of markets. 

You’ll find the free report on my Author page. Simply click the button below to view the Golden Rules.

Information warning: The information on this website is published by The Rask Group Pty Ltd (ABN: 36 622 810 995) is limited to factual information or (at most) general financial advice only. That means, the information and advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not specific to you, your needs, goals or objectives. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide before using this website. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (#1280930) of AFSL #383169.


At the time of publishing, the author of this article does not have a financial or commercial interest in any of the companies mentioned.

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Wattle Partners is a financial advice firm, servicing clients around Australia, specialising in retirement planning (pre and post retirement). 

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