Market Review – August 2026: Australian shares continued to rise, outperforming unhedged global markets as healthcare and mining stocks led gains, while technology shares recovered strongly overseas. Bond markets were broadly flat as inflation and interest-rate concerns persisted, the Australian dollar strengthened, and gold surged to its strongest monthly gain in decades while oil rose modestly.
Market Review – July 2026: Australian shares outperformed most global markets despite volatility in technology stocks, while international shares were mixed as AI-related sectors came under pressure. Bond markets weakened as higher oil prices revived inflation concerns, the Australian dollar strengthened, and oil surged on renewed Middle East tensions while gold posted modest gains.
Market Review – June 2026: International share markets were mixed as enthusiasm for technology and AI stocks eased, while Australian shares posted modest gains. Bond markets strengthened after the RBA paused interest rates, and the Australian dollar weakened against the US dollar. Oil and gold prices both declined as geopolitical tensions eased.
Market Review – May 2026: International equities delivered strong gains, led by technology and AI-related stocks, while Australian shares posted more modest growth. Bond markets also advanced despite higher interest rates, as investors anticipated that rates were nearing their peak. The Australian dollar strengthened against the US dollar, while oil prices fell sharply and gold eased as geopolitical tensions showed signs of easing.
Market Review – April 2026: Australian and international equities rebounded strongly, while bond markets edged slightly higher amid ongoing inflation uncertainty. The Australian dollar appreciated against the US dollar, with both oil and gold prices continuing to rise during the month.
Market Review – March 2026: Australian and international equities moved lower, with bond markets also declining. The Australian dollar weakened against the US dollar, while oil prices increased and gold prices softened during the month.
Market Review – February 2026: Australian equities rose, while international equities were mixed. Both Australian and international bonds ended slightly higher. The Australian dollar strengthened, while oil and gold prices also increased during the month.
Market Review – January 2026: Equities broadly rose, supported by higher commodity prices; Both Australian and international bonds ended slightly higher; Australian dollar strengthened; Oil recorded its best performance since 2022, while gold also had a strong month.
Market Review – December 2025: Australian equities rose while unhedged international equities fell; Both Australian and international bonds fell; Australian dollar strengthened; Oil continued its decline, gold moved higher.
How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 30th November 2025) Key Themes: · Australian equities fell and international equities rose: Australian equities declined in November as investors continued to price in rate-cut projections. International equities posted modest gains despite concerns around the steep valuations of AI-related stocks. · Bond yields fell internationally […]