ASX futures flat as oil nears $US105, Wall St steadies

TL;DR

ASX Futures Flat: ASX 200 futures hold unchanged at 8832 points near 4.30am AEST ahead of open.
Oil Tops $104: Brent crude rises 2.8 per cent to $US104.80 a barrel, eyeing $US105.
Wall St Stabilises: US indices pare losses with Dow down 0.4 per cent, S&P 500 down 0.5 per cent, Nasdaq down 0.9 per cent.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)[[2]](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/brent-crude-oil)

The story at a glance

Australian shares look set for a muted open with ASX 200 futures unchanged at 8832 as Wall Street pared earlier losses. Brent oil pushed above $US104 a barrel amid broader market updates on currencies, commodities, and corporate news like tech layoffs. This pre-market snapshot from the Australian Financial Review comes ahead of the ASX open on April 24, 2026, capturing overnight US and global moves.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)

Key points

ASX 200 futures unchanged at 8832 near 4.30am AEST.
Wall Street near 2.30pm New York: Dow -0.4 per cent, S&P 500 -0.5 per cent, Nasdaq -0.9 per cent; VIX up 0.68 to 19.60.
Brent oil +2.8 per cent to $US104.80 a barrel; iron ore -0.6 per cent to $US106.65 a tonne; gold -0.6 per cent to $US4713.48 an ounce.
Australian dollar down 0.2 per cent to US71.47¢; Bitcoin -1.2 per cent to $US77,966.
10-year yields: US 4.31 per cent, Australia 5.00 per cent.
Microsoft and Meta Platforms planning thousands of job cuts; Financial Times reports KPMG preparing to dismiss 10 per cent of US audit partners.
Newmont and PLS Group (formerly Pilbara Minerals) due to report earnings on Friday.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)

Details and context

The update provides a standard pre-open snapshot, focusing on futures pointing to little change after US markets trimmed declines. Oil's sharp gain stands out, topping $US104 with eyes on $US105, while equities show caution amid volatility signals from the elevated VIX.

Corporate headlines include planned layoffs at big tech firms and KPMG's reported US audit partner reductions, per the Financial Times. These reflect ongoing cost pressures in professional services and tech.

Commodity and currency moves align with global risk-off sentiment, with softer AUD and bitcoin alongside falling gold and iron ore.

Why it matters

A flat ASX open signals steady but cautious trading amid mixed global cues from Wall Street's partial recovery and surging oil. Investors face higher energy costs that could pressure inflation and margins, while tech and audit cuts highlight sector belt-tightening relevant to Australian-linked firms. Watch oil momentum toward $US105 and Friday earnings from Newmont and PLS Group for potential sector shifts.

FAQ

Q: What are the latest ASX 200 futures levels?

A: Futures stand unchanged at 8832 points near 4.30am AEST. This points to a muted open following Wall Street's pared losses. US indices closed with Dow down 0.4 per cent, S&P 500 down 0.5 per cent, and Nasdaq down 0.9 per cent.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)

Q: How much has Brent oil moved?

A: Brent crude is up 2.8 per cent to $US104.80 a barrel. The article notes it has topped $US104, eyeing $US105. This comes amid broader commodity shifts like iron ore down 0.6 per cent to $US106.65 a tonne.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)

Q: What corporate news is highlighted?

A: Microsoft and Meta Platforms plan to cut thousands of positions. The Financial Times reports KPMG preparing to fire 10 per cent of its US audit partners. Newmont and PLS Group report results Friday.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)

Q: Where does the Australian dollar stand?

A: AUD is down 0.2 per cent to US71.47¢. Bitcoin fell 1.2 per cent to $US77,966, while 10-year yields are at US 4.31 per cent and Australia 5.00 per cent. Gold dipped 0.6 per cent to $US4713.48 an ounce.[[1]](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/asx-set-for-muted-open-wall-st-pares-losses-oil-eyes-us105-20260424-p5zqnp)