Market Update – August 2014
Global
August saw U.S. markets roaring ahead with the S&P 500 closing the month at a record high 2003.37 points. The index gained 3.77% for the month with mergers and acquisitions providing the catalyst. The Dow Jones gained 3.23% and
the NASDAQ 4.82%.The FTSE 100 gained 1.33% as U.K. GDP rose 0.8%. The Dax Composite rose 0.69% despite
Q2 GDP contracting 0.2%.The Japanese Nikkei 225 closed 1.26% lower. The MSCI Emerging Market Index rose 2.07% slightly outperforming the MSCI World Index which rose 2.0%.
Domestic
After a volatile performance in August the JSE/FTSE ALSI ended on a weaker note closing down at 50959.02 points having lost 0.46% for the month. The top 40 index declined 0.85% for the month. The best performing sector was Fixed Line Services which returned 15.06% followed by Non- Life Assurance which gained 10.07%.The worst performing sector was General Mining which lost 8.04% followed by Industrial Metals which lost 7.88%. It was a particularly difficult month for resources.
