Geopolitical tensions remained in focus in June as renewed conflict in the Middle East disrupted oil supply routes and raised concerns about broader regional instability. Oil prices spiked as tensions rose and supply concerns mounted, though moderated after a ceasefire was called 12 days later. Brent closed June +5.8% higher at $67.61.

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While the month began with constructive discussions and agreements between the US and some of its trading partners, uncertainty returned to the market after President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Europe and multiple large corporates such as Apple, Samsung and Mattel, and again near month-end as the Court of International Trade deemed the global tariffs to be “contrary to law.”

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In February, markets wavered in the face of policy uncertainty. The MSCI World Equity Index closed the month down -0.7% in USD terms, tracking declines in US equity indices.

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The introduction of DeepSeek’s open-source R1 model shocked global markets in January, challenging our understanding of capex requirements and competition in artificial intelligence.

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Manufacturing PMI in November increased to roughly 50, hovering near the breakpoint between expansion and contraction. Conversely, Global Services PMI remained firmly in expansionary territory at 53.1.

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Investors maintained a healthy risk appetite for much of the month, which enabled major share markets to make further progress. Movements in the US set the tone, with the S&P 500 Index rising to fresh all-time highs during the month.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index added 3.0% in September, which extended gains from Australian shares to more than 12% in the calendar year to date.

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Australian shares fared well in July, buoyed by suggestions that no further interest rate hikes will be necessary.

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Equity markets made further positive progress in the final month of FY24, rounding off a favourable year of performance.

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Most major share markets made solid progress in May, extending gains in the calendar year to date and, in many cases, rising to fresh all-time highs

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Investors scrutinised comments from central banks, trying to work out when interest rates might be lowered in key regions.

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Investors maintained a healthy appetite for risk in February, encouraged by a generally favourable set of financial results from listed companies in the US and Europe.

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A rally in the second half of the month helped global share markets generate solid gains in January, extending the rally from November and December

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Investors in financial markets were given an early Christmas present in November, with favourable performance being generated across the board.

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As we venture deeper into 2023, investors face a complex and dynamic landscape as we grapple with rising interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties.

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Significant increases in interest rates over the past two years or so are expected to dampen economic activity levels in key regions.

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Interest rate forecasts continued to dominate attention in financial markets in August.

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July was a relatively uneventful month in financial markets and volatility remained low."

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Investors remained focused on the release of inflation data and how ongoing pricing pressures might affect monetary policy settings in key regions.

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Investors remained focused on the release of inflation data and how ongoing pricing pressures might affect monetary policy settings in key regions.

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Investment markets were relatively calm in April, following a period of heightened volatility in March when banking failures in the US and Europe had shaken confidence.

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March was an eventful month for financial markets globally.

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Economic and market overview Inflation in the US did not moderate as much as anticipated and the latest payrolls data confirmed that the American labour market shows no signs of slowing.

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Many investors become concerned when volatility occurs in global financial markets – particularly about the impact on their superannuation and other investments.

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This publication is designed to give you valuable insights on a range of different topics affecting your financial situation – both now, and in the future

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November 2022 Economic and market overview

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September 2022 Economic and market overview

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September has arrived and the early signs of spring are emerging. My Nectarine tree begins to herald the coming of spring in late August with the beautiful blossoms that only last a few weeks.

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