Although all asset classes made gains in January, it was a different story in February with only UK and European equities making progress. All other regional equity markets declined as did government and corporate (issued by companies) bonds. While the latest data showed inflation to be slowing, any hopes of a swift easing in interest rates were dashed by the central banks. Despite headline inflation visibly waning, central bank policymakers cautioned that interest rates are likely to head higher than expected.
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