03.02.17

We have updated our internal investment benchmarks for the December Quarter 2016. These attempt to measure the total return on a sample of asset classes taking into account movement in value and assuming reinvestment of income (except for residential property). Included in the calculations is the rate of return calculated for the quarter and 12 months ending 30th December.

The final quarter of 2016 showed a very strong recovery in equities markets fuelled by improved commodity prices along with the Trump factor following the US Presidential Election. Notable also the weakness in the property trust (REIT) sector after performing strongly over numerous successive quarters. Residential property prices continued to grow solidly largely due to eastern states.