As part of the 2021/22 Federal Budget, the Treasurer reiterated the importance of border reopenings. This will enable the Australian economy to benefit from tourist spending, and should lift migration levels.
There is a concern that it might not be possible to maintain strong economic growth without the arrival of highly-skilled immigrants.
Overall news flow remained supportive of risk assets including equities and credit and enabled most major share markets to make positive progress.
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.”
