Market Update 6 November 2020

Market Update 6 November 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rebounded over the last week as a resolution of the US election came into sight offering more fiscal stimulus, less trade wars and likely avoiding US tax hikes. While the rebound in shares may be surprising given that the election is not fully resolved yet, US shares typically rally after close elections as we move into the stronger …

RBA cuts rates to just 0.1% and ramps up quantitative easing – but will it work?

RBA cuts rates to just 0.1% and ramps up quantitative easing – but will it work? Key points The RBA has cut the cash rate to a record low 0.1% & announced a broad-based quantitative easing program. While the economic boost is likely to be small compared to that provided by the recent Budget, the further reduction in borrowing costs will support household & corporate finances and housing demand as well as keep the $A …

OCT 2020 – Global markets and macro update – the “recovery” from the coronavirus hit

ECONOMICS & MARKETS OCT 2020 – Global markets and macro update – the “recovery” from the coronavirus hit 29 Oct, 2020 By Dr Shane Oliver Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP CapitalSydney, Australia Please join Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, for an update on the conditions of the macroeconomic and share markets. Important information While every care has been taken in the preparation of this video, AMP Capital …

Market Update 30 October 2020

Market Update 30 October 2020   Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets mostly fell again over the past week on the back of rising new coronavirus cases in Europe and the US, new lockdowns in Europe, signs of a tightening election in the US raising the prospect of a contested election and the absence of any progress towards a pre-election fiscal stimulus in the US. Reflecting the week global lead …

Five reasons why this downturn and subsequent recovery are different – and where are we in the Australian recovery now?

Five reasons why this downturn and subsequent recovery are different – and where are we in the Australian recovery now?   Key points This economic downturn and recovery differs from those of the past in that: the downturn was driven by a government shutdown; fiscal and monetary support has been faster and bigger; forced asset sales have been headed off; it’s dependent on containing coronavirus; and it’s seeing more rapid structural change. As a result, …

Econosights: The impact of economic shocks on inflation

  Econosights: The impact of economic shocks on inflation Key points COVID-19 has caused a big change in consumer spending patterns. In developed countries, demand for goods has generally gone up but services demand has collapsed. Changes in demand along with some supply constraints have caused an increase in goods prices while prices for services have been weaker. Consumer inflation data uses consumer spending baskets from prior years to construct quarterly price changes. However, these …

September job figures make the case for further monetary easing

September job figures make the case for further monetary easing After a stronger-than-expected performance in August, September employment numbers exceeded expectations for the second month in a row, falling by 29,500 jobs as opposed to consensus estimates of a 40,000 drop. Nonetheless, this month’s decline in employment figures after three months of growth suggests we’re now on track to see slow growth in employment and a rising participation rate. We expect the headline unemployment rate …

Market Update 23 October 2020

Market Update 23 October 2020   Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets were mixed over the last week being buffeted again by waxing and waning stimulus prospects in the US and ever rising numbers of new coronavirus cases. US and Eurozone shares fell but Japanese and Chinese shares rose slightly. Reflecting the messy global lead Australian shares fell slightly as a rise in bond yields pushed down utilities, telcos and …

Expect slower medium-term returns

Expect slower medium-term returns Key points The continuing decline in investment yields on the back of falling interest rates and bond yields has seen our medium term (5 to 10 year) return projections for a diversified mix of assets fall to around 4.8% pa. At least it’s still better than sub 1% bank deposit returns. The key for investors is to have realistic return expectations, allow that inflation is also low and focus on assets …

Five areas set to benefit from this year’s Federal Budget

Five areas set to benefit from this year’s Federal Budget This year’s Budget saw a big bag of measures announced to get growth accelerating in the Australian economy. Some people and sectors will feel its impacts more than others. Most groups in the Australian community look likely to benefit from this year’s Federal Budget in some way, assuming the measures are enacted (remember, the Budget is not legislation). You can read our detailed analysis of …