The US election had earlier dominated attention. Donald Trump’s reluctance to
concede diverted attention from possible policy changes under the new Biden administration, but this will likely become an increasing focus
for investors in the months ahead.
Credit spreads narrowed sharply, both in Australia and overseas. This reflected optimism around the vaccines and a potential return to
‘normality’ in 2020, and supported returns from corporate bonds domestically and internationally.
Geopolitical tensions remained in focus in June as renewed conflict in the Middle East disrupted oil supply routes and raised concerns about broader regional instability. Oil prices spiked as tensions rose and supply concerns mounted, though moderated after a ceasefire was called 12 days later. Brent closed June +5.8% higher at $67.61.
While the month began with constructive discussions and agreements between the US and some of its trading partners, uncertainty returned to the market after President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Europe and multiple large corporates such as Apple, Samsung and Mattel, and again near month-end as the Court of International Trade deemed the global tariffs to be “contrary to law.”
