International shares take a dive
International shares had a tough run in February, thanks to continued downturns on the Nasdaq and European markets.
According to Ausbil Dexia, the MSCI equity index fell 4.5 per cent over the month, thanks to a 22.4 per cent dive on the Nasdaq and falls on the UK and German markets of 6 and 8.6 per cent respectively.
Most other sectors were flat for the month, including Australian equities which dropped 0.2 per cent and Australian bonds which grew 0.7 per cent. Listed property trusts recorded the highest growth of 1.1 per cent for the month.
The poor showing on equity markets contrasts with a relatively bright start to the year in Australian and international equity markets in January, recording rises of 4.2 and 3.1 per cent respectively.
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