In the August 2018 edition of the Market Update:
- US economic growth shot to an annualised 4.1% in the June quarter but the market is questioning whether this is sustainable.
- The impact of US and Chinese tariffs has been noticeable in Asian export growth but US manufacturing activity is yet to be hit hard.
- In Australia, the RBA continues to keep rates on hold with tighter credit conditions and lower house prices constraining the household sector.
- Japan’s economy likely returned to growth in the June quarter, with wage growth helping to alleviate deflationary pressures.
- The UK is heading towards a ‘hard’ Brexit, with the EU rejecting Prime Minister May’s proposed customs plan.
There’s more commentary, plus our usual tables with all the key market data on Shares, Interest Rates and Property in the linked document below.