In the month of July, there was robust growth in both global and local stocks, driven by the US Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates to their highest point in over two decades. In the UK, inflation maintained a persistent high, while China introduced additional stimulus measures and the Bank of Japan made adjustments to yield curve control. Furthermore, the South African Reserve Bank opted to halt its ongoing rate hikes.
Your monthly market wrap up from the INN8 Invest team.
United States
The UD Fed pushed a widely anticipated 25 basis point interest rate hike through, raising benchmark borrowing costs to the range of 5.25-5.5%. July was a strong month for US markets. The S&P 500 is up 3.2% and the NASDAQ 4%, with big tech on a seemingly unstoppable hot streak. The economy is in better shape than economists had anticipated just a few months ago. Forecasters are split on the odds of a recession, a strong labor market but sturdy consumer spending and easing inflation have fuelled hopes that the US will avoid a downturn.
UK/Europe
The ECB continued its series of interest rate hikes, raising rates by another 25 basis points. The bank is ‘likely’ to continue raising rates. In the UK, inflation slowed to 7.9% in June, down from 8.7%, but remains relatively high compared to the US where inflation is 3%, and the eurozone where it is 5.5%.
Asia
China’s economy grew at a slow pace in the second quarter as demand weakened at home and abroad. Most analysts say policymakers are unlikely to deliver any aggressive stimulus amid mounting fears over debt risks. The CSI 300 Index was up 3.1% in July following the government’s commitment to introducing measures to boost confidence, improve consumption activity, and stabilise the property sector. The Bank of Japan made its Yield Curve Control Policy more flexible and loosened its defense of a long-term interest rate cap, seen by investors as a prelude to an eventual shift away from massive monetary stimulus.
South Africa
The SARB kept the repo rate unchanged at 8.25%, although it warned this was not necessarily the end of its hiking cycle. Inflation slowed further in June to 5.4%. SA equities have followed global peers higher, with the JSE All Share Index up 4% for the month. All sectors are in the green, with resources, financials, and industrials returning 4%, 3%, and 8% respectively. The All Bond Index gained 2.3% as foreigners returned to the local market. Lastly, the rand strengthened 5% against the dollar mainly on the back of dollar weakness.
Market commentary
DFM Monthly Market Wrap: July 2023
Key Points
UK inflation remained stubbornly high.
The SARB paused rate hikes.
Your monthly market wrap up from the INN8 Invest team.
United States
The UD Fed pushed a widely anticipated 25 basis point interest rate hike through, raising benchmark borrowing costs to the range of 5.25-5.5%. July was a strong month for US markets. The S&P 500 is up 3.2% and the NASDAQ 4%, with big tech on a seemingly unstoppable hot streak. The economy is in better shape than economists had anticipated just a few months ago. Forecasters are split on the odds of a recession, a strong labor market but sturdy consumer spending and easing inflation have fuelled hopes that the US will avoid a downturn.
UK/Europe
The ECB continued its series of interest rate hikes, raising rates by another 25 basis points. The bank is ‘likely’ to continue raising rates. In the UK, inflation slowed to 7.9% in June, down from 8.7%, but remains relatively high compared to the US where inflation is 3%, and the eurozone where it is 5.5%.
Asia
China’s economy grew at a slow pace in the second quarter as demand weakened at home and abroad. Most analysts say policymakers are unlikely to deliver any aggressive stimulus amid mounting fears over debt risks. The CSI 300 Index was up 3.1% in July following the government’s commitment to introducing measures to boost confidence, improve consumption activity, and stabilise the property sector. The Bank of Japan made its Yield Curve Control Policy more flexible and loosened its defense of a long-term interest rate cap, seen by investors as a prelude to an eventual shift away from massive monetary stimulus.
South Africa
The SARB kept the repo rate unchanged at 8.25%, although it warned this was not necessarily the end of its hiking cycle. Inflation slowed further in June to 5.4%. SA equities have followed global peers higher, with the JSE All Share Index up 4% for the month. All sectors are in the green, with resources, financials, and industrials returning 4%, 3%, and 8% respectively. The All Bond Index gained 2.3% as foreigners returned to the local market. Lastly, the rand strengthened 5% against the dollar mainly on the back of dollar weakness.