european markets

I'm just starting out - loving this forum. I have a 9-5 (well, 8-4) job, so I want to be day trading when I get home. I've read a variety of mostly negative opinions about beginners trading European eminis (e.g. you'll blow up your account) so I'm feeling it's probably better to start with...

The S&P 500 just made its highest level since the GFC, yet the Aussie markets are floundering around in close to GFC territory. Hardly participating in the incredible bullish run the international markets have seen from the beginning of the year. What is going on? Dollar too high? China?