With Juan Van Deventer
June was a mixed month for investors. Australian shares finished slightly higher as inflation continued to ease and concerns about future interest rate increases started to settle down. U.S. share markets were a little weaker after strong gains in previous months, with some investors taking profits from technology and AI-related stocks.
A key event during June was progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran. This helped reduce concerns about global oil supply disruptions and led to a sharp fall in oil prices. Markets remained focused on inflation, interest rates and economic growth, but overall conditions were calmer than earlier in the year.
What Moved the Markets – Australia
- Inflation continued to improve, helping investor confidence.
- Expectations for further rate rises eased.
- Mining and energy shares were mixed as commodity prices moved lower.
What Moved the Markets – U.S. & Global
- Technology shares became more volatile after strong gains earlier in the year.
- Investors continued to watch inflation and interest rate expectations closely.
- Progress in Middle East negotiations reduced concerns about energy supply shortages.
Commodities & Defensive Assets
- Oil: Prices fell sharply during June as concerns about supply disruptions eased.
Market Snapshot – May 2026
| Market | General Move | June Return | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASX 200 | Slightly Higher | +0.6% | Lower inflation and fewer rate concerns |
| S&P 500 (US) | Slightly Lower | -1.1% | Investors took profits after strong gains |
| Oil (Brent) | Down | -20% | Supply concerns eased after progress in negotiations |
| Bonds | Slightly Higher | Positive month | Bond markets became more stable as inflation eased |
What This Means for Investors
June was a reminder that markets do not move in a straight line. After strong gains earlier in the year, some areas of the market took a breather while others continued to perform well.
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