August market update – Trump, Brexit and turmoil in the emerging markets

Chief Investment Officer Chris Godding and Senior Research Analyst Louie French give their commentary on what happened in the markets and global economies over the month of August 2018.

Political and economic turmoil across the emerging markets and Italy challenged President Trump and Brexit negotiations for the headlines in August.

What happened in the markets?

• There were notable falls in the Argentinian peso and Turkish lira over the month, which alongside ongoing trade tensions between China and the US, weighed on emerging market confidence across asset classes
• In developed markets, it was another strong month for US equities, which were driven to fresh highs by the likes of Apple and Amazon following positive earnings results at the end of July
• In Europe, it was a weaker month for continental equities, with heightened political tensions between the EU and Italy’s new government over the latter’s upcoming budget proposal weighing on investor confidence. UK equities were also weaker in August after a strong run

Read our market commentary

We hope you have found this update helpful. Please do get in touch on 020 7189 2400or email contact@tilney.co.uk if you have any queries or would like more information.