RI Advice Monthly Market Update – October 2021

Global shares fell 3.8% and 3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. After a period of strong outperformance, growth stocks led by US tech names were the worst performers in September. Inflation fears amidst energy supply issues in China and Europe was one driver. The prospect of reduced central bank support with lower bond purchases was another.

Australian shares outperformed global shares, falling 1.9% in September. The leading sectors were Energy (up 16.4%), Utilities (up 2.1%) and Financials (up 1.5%). The mining sector underperformed (down 12.1%) as investors reacted to the sharp selloff in iron ore prices, driven by Chinese growth fears.

Fixed income returns were also poor. An increase in long-term bond yields saw both Australian and international bonds sell off.

The Australian dollar (AUD) fell 0.7% against major currencies and 1.2% against the US dollar. Concerns over China amidst the unravelling of developer Evergrande weighed on AUD support.

Globally

Global business surveys suggest economic growth momentum continued to soften in September. Supply chain disruptions remain an ongoing feature in business surveys impacting inflation.

In addition, several factors drove energy fears across both China and Europe. In China’s case, restrictions on Australian coal imports played a part as did issues crimping coal mining outside Australia.

The unravelling of Chinese property developer Evergrande also triggered fears about the Chinese property market and flow on impact outside China. It appears the government will not bail out the business but is looking to minimise the fallout of any collapse.

Locally

The lifting of coronavirus restrictions in Sydney and Melbourne is approaching. 11 October is the likely start for Sydney and late October for Melbourne.

As both business and consumer confidence has held up in this lockdown phase, we anticipate a strong bounce back in the economy for the December quarter.

The RBA maintained guidance that interest rates would stay at 0.1% until 2024.

The strength of the local property market is drawing regulatory attention with expectations of APRA using macroprudential policy tools. These could impact the total amount able to be borrowed due to tighter debt servicing requirements, slowing the market.

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