Here are this month’s highlights: Developed market equity markets staged a rally at month-end on news of a likely trade-compromise between China and the US, and a more dovish tone from the US Federal Reserve. While Emerging Markets benefited from risk-on sentiment, South African equities were under pressure and underperformed peers. The rand strengthened against the USD, oil prices continued to slip and gold posted a modest gain.

Here are this month’s highlights: October proved to be a tough month for global risk assets, dubbed Red October by market watchers. Developed and emerging equities were volatile and ended sharply lower, with a tech sell-off grabbing headlines. Energy prices declined sharply at month-end, while Gold was higher on safe-haven buying.

Here are this month’s highlights: September was a month of contrasts: Even as new trade tariffs took effect in the Sino-US standoff, the US, Canada and Mexico brokered a deal on NAFTA; While South African growth languished, the US economy steamed ahead and the Federal Reserve fulfilled expectations of a rate hike toward month end.

Here are this month’s highlights: It was a mixed month for global risk assets – Emerging market equities struggled, with geopolitical tension and dollar strength feeding into perceived vulnerabilities. US growth continued to be particularly strong, while consumers globally felt the bite of sharp oil-price increases.