A look back on what happened to equities and bonds in April, as the oil price rallied.
- Global equities made a modest gain in April, as protectionist rhetoric appeared to soften and the oil price rallied strongly on demand dynamics and tensions in the Middle East.
- US equities posted a narrow gain, supported by ongoing strength in economic data, a buoyant oil sector and reduced trade worries.
- Eurozone equities saw positive returns, led by the energy sector, although some forward-looking data pointed to slowing economic activity.
- The FTSE All-Share index rose as sterling weakened and merger & acquisition activity continued. Expectations of an imminent UK rate hike fell after some disappointing economic data.
- Japanese equities gained; reduced geopolitical risk saw the yen weaken against the US dollar.
- Emerging markets equities posted a slightly negative return. US dollar strength was a headwind. Russian equities were negatively impacted by the announcement of new US sanctions.
- US Treasury yields resumed an upwards path, amid higher US inflation readings. Global corporate bonds declined but outperformed government bonds.
Read the full review >
