Economy

Key points

• 2021 saw strong investment returns with low volatility.

Key points

• Share markets have hit the wobbles lately on the back of a long worry list ranging from growth concerns, central bank tapering, the US debt ceiling and fears of about China Evergrande’s problems.

Is the global economic recovery on track?

Yes. We anticipate global growth around 5.5% this year on the back of reopening sustained by vaccines, fiscal stimulus, easy money and pent-up demand as evident in double digit household saving rates. Global business conditions are strong.

Key points

• Shares are at risk of a short-term correction or consolidation, but investment markets should provide solid returns this year on the back of continuing economic recovery and low interest rates.

Key points

• 2020 was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic but shares saw okay returns on the back of policy stimulus and vaccine optimism – resulting in constrained but positive returns for balanced growth super funds.

As Australia continues to weather the COVID storm, it’s easy to only focus on the present.

We look at a few statistics on what has happened with the economy so far and insights into what's to come.

but it could have been much worse...