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Central banks back in action Concerns of a sharp deterioration in global growth eased back following three major announcements by central banks in March. 1. The European Central Bank (ECB) –increased the monthly size of asset purchases by €20bn and extended the coverage of these purchases to investment grade non-bank corporate paper. This has significantly reduced risks in the European banking sector, a large holder of these securities. With the ECB now buying up these securities and providing cheap funding to banks, the risk of a more significant slowing in euro zone growth, via a sharp reduction in bank lending, has been greatly reduced. […]

Dr Shane Oliver is Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist at AMP Capital is responsible for AMP Capital's diversified investment funds. He provides economic forecasts and analysis of key variables and issues affecting, or likely to affect, all asset markets. In this article ge reviews the economic outlook for 2016. SMH Article 13-1-2016 Asset class views Short term (next few months) Medium term (next 1-3 years) Global equities Expect volatility to remain high into the US Federal Reserve’s December meeting, followed by seasonal strength. The cyclical bull market likely has further to go due to attractive valuations against bonds, ‘not too hot/not too cold’ global growth, a lack of investor euphoria and easy monetary conditions but we remain vigilant to any deterioration in fundamentals. Australian Equities Expect volatility to remain high into the US Federal Reserve’s December meeting, followed by seasonal strength. A continuing cyclical bull market globally and low interest rates, the boost to profits from [...]