Q1 2019FY proved to be a transient period for markets with the ASX300 reaching levels not seen since the Global Financial Crisis during July and August, whilst in the US, equities continued to build all-time highs driven by the technology sector.

2018 proved to be a volatile year with asset class performance varying as investors place more focus on the Trump Administration’s approach to global trade and tax reforms, US Monetary Policy normalisation and ongoing issues within the European political system to name a few.

Q1 proved to be a difficult period with the ASX 200 returning -4.27%, the worst quarter since the GFC. The negative performance was attributed to a number of factors including the Sino-US trade war and the introduction of tariffs, the return of market volatility, higher US bond yields.

2017 proved to be a positive year for equity markets, reflecting in strong portfolio performance. Despite the belief that 2017 equity performances will be a tough act to follow as the business cycle matures, we expect the solid global economic backdrop to continue throughout 2018 and remain supportive of attractive risk-adjusted returns.