Yield reversal

Both defensive and growth assets strengthened in November, with the latter outperforming the former, as a sharp reversal in bond yields boosted the value of both bonds and equities. The decline in bond yields reflected easing US inflation, and growing hopes that the US Federal Reserve had not only finished raising interest rates but could cut them as early as H1 ’24.

Growth assets returned 4.9%, with Australian equities up 5.0% and the interest rate-sensitive listed property sector rallied 10.9%.  Reflecting AUD strength, unhedged global equities returned 4.3%, somewhat weaker than the hedged return of 8.1%.

Among defensive assets, both global and Australian fixed-rate bonds outperformed cash, reflecting the drop in bond yields. Gold prices also strengthened, reflecting lower bond yields and a weaker US dollar.

The Market Trends report and video update are available below.

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Written by

David Bassanese

Chief Economist

David is responsible for developing economic insights and portfolio construction strategies for adviser and retail clients. He was previously an economic columnist for The Australian Financial Review and spent several years as a senior economist and interest rate strategist at Bankers Trust and Macquarie Bank. David also held roles at the Commonwealth Treasury and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France.

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