This month:

• Data from the US has confirmed that the slowdown in growth has continued through early 2019, although March employment and PMI figures have shown some positive signs.
• The Brexit issue is still creating uncertainty for markets. Prime Minister May will now seek a bipartisan deal to present to the British parliament and EU
  negotiators.
• The outlook for European growth and inflation is weakening while manufacturing is in its deepest downturn in almost six years.
• Australia’s federal budget contained few surprises, with the return to surplus and tax measures largely anticipated by the market.
• Chinese industrial production and exports were softer in March, but stimulus measures are beginning to flow through the domestic economy.

Read the full Market Update prepared by Lonsec here.