
With economic growth slowing down, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) might have room to ease policy sooner.
Higher than expected inflation figures saw markets price in a potential upward move on interest rates from the RBA.
Global equity markets, buoyed by a positive economic outlook and improved inflation data, more than recovered from April's decline in May.
Unexpectedly high global inflation, along with a re-evaluation of Federal Reserve policies and an increase in bond yields, led to a notable decline in equity markets in April.
Global equities continued their upward trajectory, buoyed by robust economic indicators and earnings, with a 3% rise in March and a quarterly gain of 14.1%,the strongest since 2013.
Economic Snapshot: Markets rise as inflation eases
Australian equities rose further in January with a 1.2% lift, taking the 3-month advance to 14 %. Banks continued to lead the charge, rising 5.3% with insurance up 5.9% and energy 5.2%.