Observations from January
Equity markets in Australia and the U.S. touched record highs towards the end of the month, as inflation pressures eased and economic data remained supportive. In addition, geopolitical developments and challenges confronting China’s economy continue to be important factors to the global outlook.
Locally, the strongest sectors within the ASX 200 included Energy, Financials and Healthcare. The latest reading put the consumer price index (CPI) at 4.1% year-on-year, lower than the RBA expected at the end of 2023.
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