During September the global economy continued to be supportive for risk assets, with global equities performing strong. Government bonds retreated in light of the more risk-on environment, whilst the US Dollar strengthened towards the end of the period, a contrast to its large year-to-date falls.

During the quarter developed equity markets returned 2.2% with almost every major region partaking in the rise. Within developed markets, Japan posted the strongest returns in local currency terms advancing 4.3%, followed by Continental Europe with a 3.9% gain. Emerging markets posted returns of -0.4%, the first negative month since November 2016.

Economic trends globally remained broadly favourable and constructive for risk assets, demonstrated by equity markets realising positive returns for a tenth successive month. Despite this, a number of factors served to disturb markets and spike volatility to the highest levels since the US election. Three events were of particular concern to investors and led to flows into more defensive assets. Firstly, the serious escalation in the North Korean nuclear weapons crisis and increasingly bellicose rhetoric from the Trump administration has risen the risk of military conflict involving the US, China and Russia, potentially leading to dramatic global consequences. Secondly, Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey, one of the strongest hurricanes ever to reach mainland US, causing immense damage, cost and disruption. Gasoline prices were immediately affected with the hurricane decommissioning 20% of US refining capacity, whilst insurance sector stocks fell steeply. Thirdly, the US debt limit came into light once again, with congress needing to raise the ceiling by 3rd October 2017 to avoid default.

So far this year, market trends have been dominated by strengthening economic activity in Europe and Japan, continuing growth in the US and Asia, and subdued inflation. Amidst this backdrop, markets have generally been benign, characterised by strong equity performance and stable bond markets. These trends continued into July, with equity markets again producing the best returns, led by emerging markets, whilst bond markets progressed with credit and highyield bonds outperforming government bonds. Volatility remained extraordinarily low with the VIX index reaching all-time lows. Perhaps the most notable feature of the month was the further slide in US Dollar, down 2.9% on a trade-weighted basis during the month and 9.1% year-to-date, moving to levels of early 2015. Oil was also a major mover during the month, forming a sizeable recovery with Brent Crude up 9.9% during July, reducing its year to date fall to 7.3%. The partial recovery of Brent crude was triggered by Saudi pledges to cut exports together with the first signs that the shale oil boom in the US is slowing.