market tended to underperform with negative returns from real estate, utilities and consumer staples.
Eurozone annual inflation for July was confirmed at 2.9%, well above the 2% target. Markets continued to anticipate an interest rate rise at the European Central Bank’s September meeting. The flash eurozone purchasing managers’ index rose to 52.1 in August, up from 52.0 in July, amid a stronger expansion in the manufacturing sector.
UK
UK stocks, as measured by the FTSE All-Share index, made a small advance in August but lagged other regions. The basic materials sector was the top performer but there were declines for health care, energy and consumer staples. The FTSE 250 index of smaller companies fared better, with basic materials again the top gaining sector.
Data from the Office for National Statistics showed the UK economy grew by 0.4% in Q2. Annual inflation for July rose to 2.9%, the highest rate in four months, but this was largely down to the increase in the energy price cap.
Japan
Japanese equities delivered solid gains in August, with TOPIX Total Return index up 3.9% and the Nikkei 225 up 3.0%. Volatility remained elevated due to changing expectations for US interest rates, Middle East tensions, and coordinated Japan–US currency intervention to support the yen.
Investor sentiment was supported by earnings results for April–June quarter, as many companies exceeded expectations and strong performers led the market higher. AI-related stocks also gained despite concerns over free cash flow at AI data- centre operators, supported by continued infrastructure investment and robust demand. Banks contributed as expectations for further Bank of Japan rate hikes increased.
Emerging markets
Emerging market (EM) equities posted positive returns in August in US dollar terms, outperforming developed market peers as measured by the MSCI World index, with strong returns from South Africa, Korea and Taiwan. A tech-led rebound, a weaker US dollar and commodity strength supported positive returns from the EM index. This helped offset the impact of an escalation in the Middle East conflict, which somewhat weighed on sentiment and kept oil prices volatile, while the focus on rising global bond yields had a more muted impact in EM than developed markets.
South Africa was the EM index’s top-performing market in the month, posting double-digit returns, as it benefitted from strength in precious and industrial metals coupled with positive news on the macro front as headline inflation readings surprised to the downside. Taiwan was also a standout performer, as markets regained some confidence in the continuation of the AI infrastructure buildout benefitting semis, memory and hardware stocks. The Saudi Arabian, Polish and Korean markets also gained, outperforming the MSCI EM Index. In Korea, the market reclaimed some of its losses following its sharp fall in July. Continued strong earnings and revenue guidance from major AI-related companies helped alleviate concerns around the sustainability of the AI investment cycle. This website is intended for, and is relevant to, Australian and New Zealand residents only and should not be relied upon by persons from any other jurisdiction. It is designed for individuals, SMSF trustees, or anyone else classified as a retail investor only. If you are a professional financial adviser please go to schroders.com.au and navigate to the correct site. The information in this website is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument.