Highlights:
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In February, global equity markets continued to trend higher boosted by optimism about US growth and reasonably good economic and corporate earnings data.
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In the United States, the Standard & Poor’s 500 equity index rose 4.0% over the month pushing its 12-month return to 25%.
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US business sentiment indicators rose further with small business optimism jumping significantly.
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Chinese activity indicators suggest that economic conditions have bounced back and the economy is being supported by robust global demand.
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Australia’s December quarter GDP was stronger than expected, rising 1.1% over the quarter reversing the weather-affected 0.5% contraction in the economy in the prior quarter.
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