Market review
Global equities experienced a strong resurgence over the quarter. The MSCI World Index ex-Australia (hedged into Australian dollars), achieved a solid return of 5.3% for the quarter, and an overall return of 22.3% for the year to 31 December 2023.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 300 Index rose by 8.4% for the quarter. The November monthly inflation report saw inflation decrease to 4.3% for the previous 12 months, while unemployment rose to 3.7%. The Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate to 4.35% in November.
Expectations of lower interest rates in 2024 led to a material fall in bond yields. The US 10-year Government bond yield fell from 4.57% to 3.88%, and the Australian 10-year Government bond yield fell from 4.49% to 3.96%.
Looking ahead
When the US Federal Reserve changed its stance on interest rates in December, markets were ignited by the prospect that the next move for interest rates will likely be down. The broader US economy, although showing signs of slowing, has remained resilient, and it appears that the Federal Reserve has managed to pull off the near impossible – a “soft landing” for the economy.
But the outlook is mixed. The war in Ukraine shows no sign of resolution, and conflict in the middle east continues. The recent easing in US/China tensions, however, is being welcomed. In 2024, more than half the world’s population, across 40 countries, will have national elections – the largest election year in history.
Share markets have run very hard recently and are close to breaching all-time highs, and much of the associated optimism may already be accounted for. While we hope 2024 plays out as expected, there’s still room for disappointment should it deliver any unwelcome surprises.
We’re here to help
If you’d like further information about how your investments have performed, or if you’ve got any queries about your Equip Super account, you can contact us online at any time, or give our team a call on 1800 682 626, Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm AET.
