Volatility associated with November’s US election should finally be over,
enabling investors to refocus on economic prospects and the outlook for
corporate profitability & central bank policy.
Australian inflation recorded at 0.9% in the 2020 calendar year, nearly double what the Reserve Bank of Australia forecasted in November’s Statement on Monetary Policy.
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.”
