News & Insights
Here you’ll find our thinking and helpful insights on the latest developments in domestic and global markets.
Market Update - March 2025
Markets declined in March amid renewed US trade tensions and recession fears. Both Australian and international shares saw losses, especially in the technology and small-cap sectors. In contrast, bond markets remained resilient, supported by expectations of rate cuts and demand for safe-haven assets.
Market Update - February 2025
Global equity markets posted strong gains in February, led by the US, as investor sentiment was buoyed by solid economic data and expectations of central bank rate cuts. Bond markets were mixed, with yields rising slightly. Australia's economy remained resilient, though consumer spending showed signs of slowing.
Market Update - January 2025
January was marked by shifting expectations in global markets as central bank policy, geopolitical uncertainty and technology disruptions drove volatility.
Year in Review and Market Update - 2024
The year 2024 saw global financial markets navigate a landscape shaped by inflationary trends, central bank interest rate policy, and significant geopolitical events. Share markets began the year positively, supported by signs of easing inflation, particularly in Australia and the US. Investor optimism grew as expectations of future rate cuts emerged, despite inflation remaining above target levels.
Market Update November 2024
Welcome to our new look Monthly Market Update. Each month, it will deliver key insights into financial markets, the latest trends and important economic developments.
Global markets experienced notable movements in November, shaped by significant political and economic developments. The US presidential election outcome spurred optimism in certain sectors, while Australian shares reached new record highs despite ongoing economic challenges. Inflation trends and central bank decisions played a critical role in influencing investor sentiment, with bond yields easing after initial volatility. Emerging markets faced headwinds, while developed markets showed mixed performance.
Investment & Economic Snapshot October 2024
Global equity markets experienced slight pullbacks in October, while bond markets saw heightened volatility with yields rising sharply in response to resilient economic data. The US dollar strengthened, driving a notable depreciation in the Australian dollar.
In commodity markets, gold prices rose 4.1% on increased central bank demand, while oil prices fluctuated amid Middle Eastern instability.
Investment & Economic Snapshot September 2024
In September, the Australian share market hit record highs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve made a significant move by cutting interest rates by 50 basis points, aiming to stimulate economic growth. China also responded to slowing economic activity by announcing major monetary and fiscal policy stimulus packages. As a result, Chinese shares rallied, with the Shanghai Composite Index climbing by 21%, signaling a positive market reaction to these measures.
Investment & Economic Snapshot August 2024
Global markets experienced significant volatility in August, with the MSCI World Index (AUD) down 1.18%. Weak U.S. labour data sparked recession fears, but optimism grew as U.S. equity markets rebounded on lower inflation and strong GDP data.
Investment and Economic Snapshot July 2024
The MSCI World Index (AUD) gained 4.1% in July, in a volatile month for global equity markets. Australian and U.S. equities reached new all-time highs, while bond markets rallied.
Second quarter trimmed mean CPI measured 3.9% year-on-year, falling from the previous quarter and coming in lower than the 4% market expectation. The quarter-on-quarter rise of 0.8% was also well below the 1% economists had forecast.
Investment and Economic Snapshot FY2023/2024 Year in Review
Inflation and the timing of future rate cuts was a major source of volatility throughout the 2024 financial year. As we entered the 2024 calendar year, there were expectations of up to six interest rate cuts in the U.S. However, inflation has remained stickier than expected and, as the year progresses, there are now question marks if there will be any interest rate cuts this calendar year. The RBA, on the other hand, is still considering whether one more rate hike is required.
Investment & Economic Snapshot May 2024
Global markets rebounded strongly in May following a sharp pullback in April with the MSCI World Index (USD) closing the month higher by 4.53%. The rally was supported by softer growth and labour market data, which lifted market expectations for interest rate cuts in the U.S.
In the local market, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries ended the month 0.87% higher, while the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries remained flat, closing down 0.05%.
Investment and Economic Snapshot April 2024
After a robust start to the year, global markets experienced a pullback in April, with the MSCI World Index (USD) closing the month lower by 3.67%.
Investment and Economic Snapshot March 2024
March delivered a robust performance for equity markets, concluding a strong first quarter of 2024.
Investment and Economic Snapshot February 2024
Global share markets maintained their strong performance into the new year, with several major equity markets reaching record highs in February.
Investment and Economic Snapshot January 2024
The global financial rally that characterised late 2023, experienced a slowdown as the new year commenced triggering a widespread sell-off in early January and mixed results across financial markets as the month progressed.
Investment and Economic Snapshot Year in Review 2023
Download our 2023 Year In Review to take a look back over the year that was in financial markets and read our outlook for 2024.
Investment and Economic Snapshot November 2023
Global financial markets experienced remarkable gains in November. Equities and fixed income stood out, driven by a shift in the market expectation favouring significant Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024.
Investment and Economic Snapshot October 2023
In October, the ongoing market downturn that has marked the past quarter persisted. Bond markets faced significant challenges as stronger than anticipated U.S. economic data led to an increase in bond yields in the U.S. and several other major economies, including Australia. This sharp rise in yields had adverse effects on stocks and bonds which fell for the third consecutive month.
Investment and Economic Snapshot September 2023
September’s reputation for being a poor month for markets came to bear, leading to a widespread sell off in equities, bonds, real estate and listed infrastructure.
Investment and Economic Snapshot August 2023
Following strong performances in June and July, global financial markets experienced a downturn in August. Most major financial assets generated negative returns as investors became concerned about the risk of persistent inflation, which could trigger further tightening by the Federal Reserve. Additionally, a lack of significant Chinese stimulus for their sluggish domestic economy contributed to investor pessimism.