Late in the month, geopolitical risks escalated, particularly in the Middle East, which contributed to volatility heading into March.
January was marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around US policy, yet global share markets proved resilient..
Markets in November reflected a shift toward caution after a strong run, as investors reassessed valuations despite broadly resilient earnings.
Overall, markets were generally supportive, though inflation trends and policy uncertainty continue to shape the outlook.
Financial markets were influenced by shifting expectations around inflation and interest rates in September.
August was shaped by competing forces: optimism around rate cuts and lingering inflationary concerns.
Markets extended their positive run in July. Both Australian and global share markets delivered solid gains, driven by strong corporate earnings, particularly in the US.