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Monthly Market Review – July 2021

How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 31 July 2021)

1 Bloomberg AusBond Bank 0+Y TR AUD, 2 Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+Y TR AUD, 3 Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate TR Hdg AUD, 4 S&P/ASX All Ordinaries TR, 5 Vanguard International Shares Index, 6 Vanguard Intl Shares Index Hdg AUD TR, 7 Vanguard Emerging Markets Shares Index, 8 FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 NR AUD, 9 S&P/ASX 300 AREIT TR, 10 FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REITs NR AUD

International Equities

International share markets (unhedged) rose by 4.1% in July, helped by the weaker A$. Hedged international shares, which did not benefit from the falling A$, returned 1.8%. The US share market continued to edge higher. European shares also delivered positive returns. Chinese and Hong Kong share markets experienced a more difficult period, with concerns rising amongst property developers who are facing government restrictions on their capacity to borrow, as well as large Chinese technology companies who appear to have fallen out of favour with Chinese authorities.

Overall, share markets continued to be underpinned by a strong recovery due to the on-going rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and lower long-term interest rates. However, there are some areas of concern. Market breadth – which measures participation in the market – is becoming narrower, with fewer and fewer large capitalisation stocks responsible for driving the market higher.

Australian Equities

The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index rose by 1.1% in July, supported by continued strength in the domestic economy. Sentiment remains positive, despite the growing number of COVID-19 related lockdowns in NSW and other states. In contrast to the first series of lockdowns in 2020, there are no aggressive stimulus packages currently in place. A key issue for both the Australian share market and the Australian economy is how quickly Australia will roll out its vaccination program. There are some grounds for optimism, with additional vaccine supplies becoming available.

Domestic and International Fixed Income

Both Australian government bond yields and US Treasury yields moved lower in June, leading to capital gains in fixed interest markets. The RBA has indicated that Australian cash rates are likely to be held at current levels for at least the next few years. The rise in capital values for bonds and many fixed interest funds is welcome. However, investors who are depending on fixed interest investments to deliver income are likely to continue to experience low levels of interest rates over the coming periods.

Australian Dollar

The Australian dollar fell by approximately 2% against the US dollar in July and is now lower for the calendar year to date, amid broad US dollar strength. The US dollar rose against most other currencies.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this material is current as at date of publication unless otherwise specified and is provided by ClearView Financial Advice Pty Ltd ABN 89 133 593 012, AFS Licence No. 331367 (ClearView) and Matrix Planning Solutions Limited ABN 45 087 470 200, AFS Licence No. 238 256 (Matrix). Any advice contained in this material is general advice only and has been prepared without taking account of any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any such information, a person should consider its appropriateness, having regard to their objectives, financial situation and needs. In preparing this material, ClearView and Matrix have relied on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable. Except as otherwise stated, the information has not been independently verified by ClearView or Matrix. While due care and attention has been exercised in the preparation of the material, ClearView and Matrix give no representation, warranty (express or implied) as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information. The information in this document is also not intended to be a complete statement or summary of the industry, markets, securities or developments referred to in the material. Any opinions expressed in this material, including as to future matters, may be subject to change. Opinions as to future matters are predictive in nature and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from results ultimately achieved. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Monthly Market Review – June 2021

How the different asset classes have fared: (As at 30 June 2021)

1 Bloomberg AusBond Bank 0+Y TR AUD, 2 Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+Y TR AUD, 3 Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate TR Hdg AUD, 4 S&P/ASX All Ordinaries TR, 5 Vanguard International Shares Index, 6 Vanguard Intl Shares Index Hdg AUD TR, 7 Vanguard Emerging Markets Shares Index, 8 FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 NR AUD, 9 S&P/ASX 300 AREIT TR, 10 FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REITs NR AUD

International Equities

International share markets (hedged) rose by 2.1% in June. Movements in share markets over the month were largely driven by comments from members of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) about the timing of future interest rate hikes. Share markets initially fell after the Fed brought forward the timeline of expected interest rate hikes at its June meeting due to the stronger-than-expected economic recovery (the median expectation of Fed officials showed two rate hikes in 2023 from zero after their March meeting). However, share markets rebounded after Fed Chair Powell calmed markets by reiterating that the recent spike in inflation is likely to be temporary, and it will prioritise a “broad and inclusive” recovery of the jobs market before raising interest rates.

Overall, share markets continued to be underpinned by a strong recovery in the global economy, the ongoing rollout of vaccines and the prospect of further significant fiscal stimulus in the US.

Global inflation readings continued to increase in June. However, economists largely expect the current spike in inflation to be transitory. The key drivers of the recent increase in global inflation are base effects (as last year’s deflation drops out of annual calculations), higher commodity prices, supply chain bottlenecks (due to production curbs during the pandemic) and consumers switching spending from services to goods.

Australian Equities

The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index rose by 2.6% in June, supported by continued strength in the domestic economy. The release of GDP data for the March quarter showed that the economic recovery in Australia has been V-shaped, with the level of output in Australia now above its pre-pandemic level; not many other countries are in this same position. The employment data for May showed a strong increase in employment and a fall in the unemployment rate from 5.5% to 5.1%. The level of employment in Australia is now also above its pre-pandemic level. Australia and New Zealand are the only advanced economies where this is the case. The housing market in Australia also remains strong, with housing finance commitments continuing to boom in April, driven by existing owner occupiers and investors.

As was the case for international equity markets, the domestic share market was also impacted by comments from Fed members during the month regarding the timing of future interest rate increases in the US (see above).

Domestic and International Fixed Income

Australian government bond yields and US Treasury yields both drifted modestly lower in June, despite early indications that some central banks may start tapering sooner than expected given the recent strength in economic data. In mid-June, the Fed brought forward its timeline of expected interest rate hikes, causing a sell-off in equities markets. However, bond yields were largely stable, having already increased sharply earlier in the year in response to higher inflation expectations.

Australian Dollar

The Australian dollar fell by around 3% against the US dollar in June, to its lowest level since December last year, amid broad US dollar strength. The US dollar rose against most currencies after the Fed brought forward its timeline of expected interest rate hikes at its monetary policy meeting in mid-June.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this material is current as at date of publication unless otherwise specified and is provided by ClearView Financial Advice Pty Ltd ABN 89 133 593 012, AFS Licence No. 331367 (ClearView) and Matrix Planning Solutions Limited ABN 45 087 470 200, AFS Licence No. 238 256 (Matrix). Any advice contained in this material is general advice only and has been prepared without taking account of any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any such information, a person should consider its appropriateness, having regard to their objectives, financial situation and needs. In preparing this material, ClearView and Matrix have relied on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable. Except as otherwise stated, the information has not been independently verified by ClearView or Matrix. While due care and attention has been exercised in the preparation of the material, ClearView and Matrix give no representation, warranty (express or implied) as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information. The information in this document is also not intended to be a complete statement or summary of the industry, markets, securities or developments referred to in the material. Any opinions expressed in this material, including as to future matters, may be subject to change. Opinions as to future matters are predictive in nature and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from results ultimately achieved. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.