Cirilium Passive monthly commentary - August 2024

The end of July and the start of August began with a resurgence of volatility in stock markets, as both bond yields and equity markets declined, making it an eventful period for investors. Early in the month, disappointing US economic data heightened concerns about a potential slowdown in the US economy. This, paired with an interest-rate hike from the Bank of Japan, triggered a significant sell-off in global equity markets. However, by month’s end, markets recovered as investors started to factor in anticipated interest-rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). Overall, global equities ended the month up by 0.2%.