Market Wrap - February 2022
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Investors continued to focus on rampant inflation and, in turn, potential changes in monetary policy settings.
By month end, five interest rate increases in the US had been priced in to markets; a more aggressive tightening in policy settings than had been anticipated previously.
These evolving expectations saw bond yields rise in all major regions – resulting in negative returns from fixed income markets – and
spooked share markets. Major equity indices in the US, Europe and Australia all closed January substantially lower.
Many investors become concerned when volatility occurs in global financial markets – particularly about the impact on their superannuation and other investments. In times like these, it is important to understand the causes of market movements and how to minimise your risk.
Prices on everyday essentials like food, petrol and medicine have increased significantly, impacting us all. Managing these price hikes is even more difficult when you’re living on a fixed income. We unpack how we got here and set out some things you can do to increase your buying power.
Inflationary forces continued to intensify in key regions, which suggested inter- est rates could be raised more quickly and more aggressively than previously anticipated. The likelihood of rising borrowing costs also appeared to spook equity markets, which performed poorly over the month.
