Introduction

Quarterly Market & Portfolio Review

The highlight of the March quarter was the rally in Domestic and International Equities, which recovered much of the December quarter falls. It is important to remember that volatility is a normal part of investing and that discipline is rewarded over the long-term.

Quarterly Market & Portfolio Review

KEY THEMES FOR THE QUARTER

  • Strong Quarter for Equities, reversing late 2018 decline
  • Australia posts best quarter in a decade;
  • Developed Markets also up around 11%, Emerging about 9%
  • Size premium positive in Developed Markets; Value negative
  • Stellar quarter for REITs, rising 13% in Developed Markets
  • Global Bonds bolstered by positive Term and Credit premiums

The unpredictable nature of global markets was highlighted by a stunning bounce back in shares around the world in the March quarter, reversing a poor end to 2018. Bonds also rallied strongly as markets revised down expectations for global economic growth and recalibrated their view of the future path of monetary policy.

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