In the June 2025 quarter, markets demonstrated resilience despite the noise of global politics and diverging economic signals. At EWK, we liken our approach to that of a seasoned captain steering a ship through unpredictable seas — maintaining a steady hand, guided by compass and chart, and always with a clear destination in mind. While winds and currents may shift, our course is deliberately plotted to navigate volatility, seize opportunity, and ultimately arrive at your financial goals safely and confidently.
Just as ships have weathered storms through the ages, so too have investors faced the GFC, Brexit, COVID, inflation surges, and now the Trump 2.0 administration. What we continue to observe is the remarkable ability of diversified portfolios and disciplined strategies to adapt and succeed through each wave of uncertainty.
Market Pulse: Key Indicators as at 30 June 2025
| Date | ASX200 | $A/US | RBA Cash Rate | 5-Year Bonds |
| 30-Jun-2025 | 8542 | 0.65 | 3.85% | 3.430% |
| 31-Mar-2025 | 7843 | 0.625 | 4.10% | 3.606% |
| 31-Dec-2024 | 8159 | 0.620 | 4.35% | 3.945% |
| 30-Sep-2024 | 8269 | 0.690 | 4.35% | 3.587% |
The ASX200 has regained strength, closing the financial year just shy of the 8,000 mark. This rebound reflects a shift in sentiment as inflation continues to moderate and the RBA pivots from tightening to easing. The Australian dollar has stabilised, and the yield curve has flattened, supporting both equity valuations and fixed income allocations.
International equities have posted mixed but largely positive results. The S&P 500 reached new highs mid-year, powered by AI and tech-led earnings resilience. Meanwhile, European markets are buoyed by cooling inflation and signs of growth stabilisation. China’s recovery remains uneven, but fiscal support is expected to accelerate.
What history consistently tells us is this: trying to predict markets in the short term is near impossible, but positioning for the long term with clarity and discipline yields success.
“Steady as she goes ” isn’t just a sentiment – it’s a strategy anchored in experience, foresight, and discipline. Like expert navigators, we monitor the horizon, adjust our sails when needed, and stay on course. The voyage may have moments of turbulence, but with the right bearings and purpose-driven decisions, success is not a matter of chance — it is the result of charted intention and clear vision.
Long-Term Market Movements: 2007 to 2025
The following chart highlights the resilience and long-term growth of the Australian market and key economic indicators over the past 18 years. Despite global financial crises, pandemics, and political uncertainty, the trajectory reinforces the importance of long-term investing.
Reflections on the Long-Term Market Journey
This long-term view of markets highlights the powerful narrative of patient investing:
- The 2007 pre-GFC peak reminds us of the exuberance before the storm — and the subsequent crash in 2009 showed the importance of managing downside risk.
- Post-2009, we saw a decade-long bull run, with interest rates gradually easing and central banks playing a larger role in stabilising economies.
- The COVID-19 shock in 2020 sent markets plunging, yet recovery was swift, driven by unprecedented stimulus.
- From 2021 to 2023, the RBA and global central banks responded to inflationary pressures with aggressive rate hikes.
- In 2024 and into 2025, we’re seeing a pivot towards easing, supporting a rebound in asset prices.
The chart underscores a consistent theme: those who stayed invested and rebalanced through uncertainty were rewarded. Over time, despite crisis after crisis, markets have not only recovered — they have grown, reinforcing the principle of staying the course with a well-diversified portfolio.
Disclaimer: This information, does not guarantee the accuracy of completeness of the information and we cannot guarantee any particular outcome of future performance. It is not financial advice and should not be relied on as such. Any advice in this document is general advice only and does not take into account the individual circumstances of any particular person. The past is not indicative of future returns. Investors should seek assistance from a suitably qualified adviser to consider their target investment horizon, their individual financial and tax position, objectives and needs, before they make investment decisions.
