Market review

July in review

Global markets navigated a wave of macro headlines in July, with trade policy and tariffs once again the main talking points. By month end, the US had secured trade deals with several major partners, extended deadlines for others (notably China), and enforced higher levies on holdouts across various key markets. Nevertheless, global sentiment was broadly positive, with further support coming in the form of strong corporate earnings, particularly tech stocks, and firmer economic data out of the US.

8 Aug 2025

11 minutes

Chapters

01
Global equities
02
US
03
South Africa
04
China
05
Emerging markets
06
Europe and UK
07
Global fixed income
08
Global credit
09
EM fixed income
10
Commodities
01

Global equities

Shipping containers
Global equities advance, fuelled by tech gains and trade deals

US equity markets rallied in July, extending their winning streak on the back of robust corporate earnings, resilient economic data, and cooling trade tensions. The tech sector once again stole the spotlight, with strong quarterly results from the likes of Microsoft and Meta reviving talks of ‘tech-ceptionalism.’ Economic indicators from the US offered little reason for concern: GDP growth beat expectations, hiring remained steady and inflation appeared sufficiently contained. Meanwhile, trade agreements with several key US trading partners helped calm tariff anxieties, providing additional tailwinds to an already upbeat market.

In the UK, equities staged a notable rebound, shrugging off domestic political jitters to outperform global peers. Global risk appetite and stabilising trade dynamics provided the backdrop for a strong month, with firmer results from healthcare and defence firms offering an extra boost. South African equities joined the global rally, though gains were more measured as caution set in ahead of the trade deadline with the US. The US agreed to extend the trade deadline with China, easing pressure on the tech and manufacturing sectors and lifting equities within the region higher.

Indices (total return in local currency)
S&P 500 2.2%
Nasdaq Composite 3.7%
MSCI ACWI 1.4%
Nikkei 225 1.4%
EuroStoxx 600 0.9%
FTSE 100 4.3%
Hang Seng Index 3.1%
SSE Composite 3.7%

Source: Bloomberg as at 31 July 2025.

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