Global wrap March quarter saw increased volatility with interest rates rising and growth assets undergoing a moderate correction. There were actually a few events that led to the increased volatility including: 1) a derating in software stocks (related to AI); 2) a run on private equity and credit funds (related to the software derating); and 3) US/Israeli strikes on Iran that led to retaliatory strikes in the region and restrictions on shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz. With up to...

Australian Shares Australian shares produced a reasonable return of 10.3% but it wasn’t all smooth sailing with a major correction in March/April that led to a 16% drawdown in the market. The market correction was related to worries over US tariffs, which were subsequently delayed or toned down. The market soon recovered, boosted by an RBA easing cycle and a recovery in commodities. Materials staged a major recovery in the second half of 2025 to be the best performing sector for the year with...

Global wrap Asset class returns were all positive over the September quarter, led by global shares, which have now made gains for five months straight. The other strong performer has been gold, which is seemingly being driven by mounting concerns over the longer-term direction of US policy. In FY26 thus far, global conditions remain positive with supportive fiscal and monetary policy in place and the technology productivity theme leading global stocks. But there remains an unease over the...