Which sectors got to a jump start in 2020
The Australia geared sector, which was the best for 2019, returned 6.73% in January, according to data from FE Analytics.
However, the North America sector, which was the second-best sector for 2019, dropped to fifth best and returned 3.82%.
Infrastructure returned 4.25%, followed by Specialist (3.99%) and Australia Equities (3.83%).
In the Australia geared sector, the CFS Colonial First State Wholesale Geared Share was the top performer, returning 13.77% for the first month of the year.
This was followed by OnePath Wholesale Geared Australian Shares Index Trust B (9.6%), Ausbil Australian Geared Equity (9.16%), AMP Capital Specialist Geared Australian Share (8.89%) and Perpetual Wholesale Geared Australian (8.37%).
According to Perpetual’s market commentary, the Australian equity market gained 4.9% over the month of January, as measured by the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index.
“Uncertainty swept the market early in the month as wide- spread bushfires across the country dampened investor sentiment on many agricultural and retail-exposed stocks,” it said.
“Momentum continued to strengthen throughout the month with the Australian market breaking multiple record highs on improved prospects of a rebound in global growth after the formal signing of a ‘phase-one’ trade deal between the US and China, as well as President Trump announcing the removal of proposed tariffs once a phase-two agreement is complete.”
Top five Australian core strategy equity sectors, month to 31 January, 2020
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