How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 30 April 2024) Key Themes: Equity Markets had their first monthly decline in 2024: Both international and Australian equity markets retreated over the month as rate cut expectations were further delayed. Fixed Income continues to rise: Both international and Australian bond prices continued to rise, and yields […]
Introduction On the evening of 14 May 2024, the Government delivered what is possibly its last Budget in the current parliamentary term. The next election is expected to be held either late this year or early in 2025. Inflation, cost of living pressures, and housing all continue to dominate the fiscal landscape, impacting the lives […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 31 March 2024) Key Themes: Equity Markets continue to make gains: US and Australian stock markets continue to hit record levels, driven by a resilient economy and expectations of nearing rate cuts. Fixed Income had a quiet month but continues an upward trajectory: Both international and […]
Selected market returns (%): (As at 29 February 2024) Key market and economic developments in February 2024 Financial markets Numerous global markets trade at all-time highs Global share markets accelerated into month end with the Australian All Ordinaries pushing to new all-time highs in the last few days of trading in February. The MSCI World Index […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 31 January 2024) Key Themes: Equity Markets Reach Highs: US and Australian stock markets hit record levels, driven by economic optimism and strong sector performances, particularly in energy and finance. Fixed Income Fluctuates: International bonds dipped, with notable volatility in US and UK markets. Australian bonds saw […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 31 December 2023) Key Themes Fed signalled an additional cut in 2024 which sent yields lower and equity markets higher. Strength for Australian Equities and AUD following a more dovish tone at their latest meeting. Oil fell on the back of supply/demand issues creating a headwind […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 30 November 2023) International Equities November brought encouraging news in the international equity markets, marking a significant upturn for the first time in several months. Unhedged shares showed a healthy increase of 4.45%, but it was hedged shares that truly stood out, registering an impressive 8.01% growth. […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 31 October 2023) International Equities International Equities fared better in October than September but still retreated as both unhedged and hedged shares fell by 0.98% and 2.72% respectively. Hedged falling further due to the continuing strength of the United States Dollar as the Fed retains high […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 30 September 2023) International Equities International Equities performed poorly in September as both unhedged and hedged shares fell by 4.02% and 3.75% respectively. This result is not unexpected as there was downward pressure on equities from multiple angles, including rising oil prices and bond yields. The […]
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 31 August 2023) International Equities The rise in international markets slowed in August with a 1.61% gain in unhedged equities and a 1.87% loss in hedged equities. This divergence is due to a fall in the value of the Australian Dollar relative to USD. With the […]