Economic Overview Q2 2024 was a more subdued quarter than some seen recently, with flat to negative returns in many asset classes. Global markets saw small gains with artificial intelligence again providing a strong lead, although a strengthening Australian dollar clipped returns for unhedged investors. As has become the norm, interest around the timing of any potential rate cuts was again a focus in Q2. In the US there were concerns early in the quarter that the economy was overheating, but by the end of the quarter there were hopes of a soft landing again! For its part, the European…

Economic Overview Q1 2024 was another positive quarter from both an economic and investment perspective. Global markets notched strong gains led by the enthusiasm for all things artificial intelligence, while the important US economy continued to prove resilient. The expectations for rate cuts have also continued to play a role in underpinning market performance, but there is some recognition the number of cuts may be fewer and the pace of them may be slower than was previously hoped. Australian shares lagged their global counterparts, but still delivered a very healthy mid single digit return, and the ever-volatile Australian listed property…