Live: Deal gives workers a role in AI revolution, say ACTU, Microsoft

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Financial News Brief

Summary

Markets remain cautious amid geopolitical tensions, while a landmark AI deal between Australian unions and Microsoft highlights efforts to protect workers. Central bank politics and corporate investigations also feature in today’s news.

Key Points

  • Markets: ASX poised for a slight rise after Wall Street declines. Oil prices fell as tensions in Iran showed signs of easing, while gold rose.
  • Microsoft-ACTU Deal: Australia’s peak union body signed an agreement with Microsoft to give workers more say and skills in the AI transition, aiming to safeguard rights.
  • Central Bank Politics: The Bank of Japan declined to sign a global letter supporting Fed Chair Powell, citing its relationship with the U.S. The letter caused political fallout in New Zealand.
  • U.S. Tariffs: President Trump announced a 25% tariff on some high-end AI chips from companies like Nvidia and AMD, citing national security.
  • Corporate News: Saks Global filed for bankruptcy, though its flagship NYC store is excluded. Alcoa faces a WA investigation over a single tree in a mining expansion area.
  • Commodities & Currencies: Cocoa prices have doubled, pushing manufacturers to seek alternatives. The AUD fell against the JPY and USD. ANZ analysts still expect an RBA rate hike in February.
  • Investigation: Labour hire firms are being probed over alleged large-scale tax fraud and cash payments disappearing into the “black economy.”

Market Snapshot (approx. 8:00 AM AEDT)

  • ASX 200 Futures: +0.1%
  • AUD/USD: Flat at 66.83¢
  • Spot Gold: +0.7% to $4,634/oz
  • Brent Crude Oil: -2.3% at $64.07/barrel
  • Bitcoin: +3.4% to $97,534

财经新闻简报

摘要

地缘政治紧张局势下市场保持谨慎，而澳大利亚工会与微软达成的一项具有里程碑意义的人工智能协议，凸显了保护工人的努力。央行政治和公司调查也是今日新闻的焦点。

关键点

  • 市场：华尔街下跌后，澳股预计小幅高开。伊朗紧张局势出现缓和迹象，油价下跌，金价上涨。
  • 微软-ACTU协议：澳大利亚最高工会机构与微软签署协议，旨在让工人在人工智能转型中有更多发言权和技能培训，以保障其权利。
  • 央行政治：日本央行以与美国的关系为由，拒绝签署支持美联储主席鲍威尔的全球联名信。此信在新西兰引发了政治风波。
  • 美国关税：特朗普总统以国家安全为由，宣布对英伟达和AMD等公司的一些高端人工智能芯片征收25%的关税。
  • 公司新闻：Saks Global申请破产，但其纽约旗舰店不在破产范围内。美国矿业巨头Alcoa因西澳矿区扩张中的一棵树面临调查。
  • 大宗商品与货币：可可价格翻倍，迫使制造商寻找替代品。澳元对日元和美元下跌。澳新银行分析师仍预计澳联储将在2月加息。
  • 调查：劳务雇佣公司因涉嫌大规模税务欺诈和现金支付流入”黑色经济”而受到调查。

市场概览（约澳大利亚东部夏令时上午8:00）

  • 澳股200指数期货：+0.1%
  • 澳元/美元：持平于66.83美分
  • 现货黄金：+0.7% 至 4,634美元/盎司
  • 布伦特原油：-2.3% 至 64.07美元/桶
  • 比特币：+3.4% 至 97,534美元

Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-15/asx-markets-business-live-news-january-15-2026/106230850

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