Economic Indicators To Dictate Global Equity Markets

Although the economic outlook is sending mixed signals regarding the near-term path, there are still reasons for investors to maintain optimism about the markets, even amidst a slowdown in growth.

In the past fortnight, global equities continued their upward trajectory, contributing to the impressive gains seen in the first half of 2023. In the US, the S&P 500 is now within a mere 6-7 per cent of its all-time high. Corporate earnings announcements provided an additional boost to market sentiment, as quarterly results have thus far indicated that companies are effectively navigating the challenges of high but decreasing inflation, particularly concerning labour and input costs, as well as strong but moderating demand.

Since May, the market rally has been fueled by growing optimism surrounding the potential for a 'goldilocks scenario,' characterised by economic conditions that strike a balance between being neither too hot to hinder the decline of inflation nor too cold to plunge into a recession. This favourable economic outlook has been a key driver of the market's positive performance.