Global equity markets continued to be volatile in June 2012. Markets were generally up for the month after a negative month in May 2012. Some key developments influencing markets at the moment include: Fears related to the euro-zone’s debt crisis, eased in June as the pro-austerity party’s victory in the Greek election allayed the fears of
Market Update Global equity markets have performed poorly over April and May due to renewed concerns over Eurozone sovereign debt issues. Key issues remain – will Greece maintain the Euro currency and will Spain be able to continue to meet its debt obligations. Some key developments influencing markets at the moment include: The International Monetary
Market Update Global equity markets continued to perform strongly over February and March boosted by resolution of the latest Greek sovereign debt deal and data indicating that the US economic recovery is gaining some momentum. However, balancing this news has been the slowing of the Chinese economy and a slight reduction in commodity prices which
Market Update Global markets have kicked off 2012 in a positive fashion. After a poor 2011 there seems to be a cautious optimism flowing through to equity markets. Some significant developments influencing markets at the moment include: US corporate reporting for the quarter ending 31 December 2011 was reasonable, although slightly below expectations. Australian corporate
Market Update The 2011 calendar year was a poor year for equity markets. The ASX 300 returned -11% for the year. During December global equity markets held up largely due to: the EU (excluding UK) agreeing to stricter government deficit rules (to reduce the rate of growth of sovereign debt). US economic indicators pointing to
Volatile and unpredictable events were the hallmark of calendar 2011. A combination of concerns over US debt and unemployment, European sovereign debt, currency values, issues relating to the stability of the European banking system and questions over continuing Chinese growth rates; all weighed heavily on the minds and decisions of investors. Political instability in the
Market Update: The month of November has been dominated by European Sovereign debt crisis. The key issues at the moment can be summarised as follows: The total debt of most EU countries is growing as governments continue to run budget deficits, Any significant measures to reduce the budget deficit are likely to slow economic growth
Market Update: After a very difficult start to the financial year, Global equity markets are up significantly in October 2011. The Australian market is up around 8% for the month. The main influence driving markets has been some positive resolutions last week by Europe’s leaders to combat the Sovereign debt crisis. Key initiatives agreed to
Interesting data released by Commsec [Investor Signposts, 11/9/11] about the relationship between the Australian and U.S. stockmarkets: " One thing has become abundantly clear over the past few months. When there is turmoil, the Australian sharemarket will slavishly follow the US. But in times of calm, the Aussie market will go its own way.
The volatility that we've seen in investment markets in recent months is enough to test us all. With the values of our superannuation (on paper at least) going up and down (mostly down in more recent times), we, as investors, are being sorely tested. The decisions we have made regarding our tolerance to risk [i.e. how much
