Lonsec Market Commentary – July 2018 

The S&P/ASX 200 Index returned 1.4% in July, with gains from the Industrials (+3.5%), Health Care (+2.1%) and Financials (+2.1%) sectors. The Telecommunications sector (+7.9%), which is dominated by Telstra (+8.4%), appeared to recover as attention turned to the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction, putting a halt to a seven-month slide.

Bond markets were relatively muted through July as central banks left rates on hold and trade-related fears were put to one side as investors focused on earnings and positive economic data.

The RBA is happy to sit on the bench, holding rates at 1.50% at its August meeting. While household debt and sluggish wage growth remain a concern, the business sector is enjoying favourable conditions, especially in the manufacturing, construction and business services industries.

Lonsec Market Commentary – July 2018

(Lonsec July 2018, Issue Date: 09-08-2018)