Link to IWP's August Update (PDF) - IWP Monthly Update - August 2024

During the first few days of August there have been several significant economic updates:

• The Bank of England began its rate-cutting cycle by cutting the official rate by 0.25%
• The Bank of Japan raised rates (to 0.25%) and announced a reduction in its bond buying program.
• Australian core inflation fell marginally, and;
• There was a softer than expected US jobs report.

Whilst economic growth data has been choppy recently, in aggregate it has remained consistent with a moderate, if slowing, global expansion.

This view was called into question last Friday with the relatively weak US unemployment data release and this was a key catalyst in market participants calling expectations of a "soft landing" into question.

As a result Shane and Chris walk through the events of the week, our views, and what this means for client portfolios.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube - IWP Market Update - August 2024