In our latest market update we look back across the first half of the year, as markets have continued to drive higher in the light of higher rates and continued uncertainty.
As we move into July, the past six months on the markets have contained all types of contradictions, with prices spiked by AI, hopes the Fed will cut rates, when they lifted, and a more robust US economy than many had expected, perhaps promising higher returns ahead.
On Friday The S&P 500 rose 1.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.9%, and the Nasdaq rose 1.5% as markets prepared for the June 30 end point.
The S&P 500 defied recession fears and a U.S. banking crisis to notch a 15.9% gain in the first half. The Nasdaq Composite powered ahead 31.7% for its biggest first-half increase in four decades.
The Australian share market rose 0.1 per cent on Friday, and a return of 9.7 per cent for the financial year.
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