2022 was a momentous year for Joseph Palmer & Sons, as we celebrated our 150th year, moved office, and contended with elevated financial market volatility and a rapid increase in interest rates.

Economic trends and geopolitical events converged pessimistically in the June quarter, causing the unusual scenario where all major investment asset classes – shares, property, and bonds – fell concurrently. 

Bonds prices were particularly weak, due to the sudden and rapid increase in duration-based interest rates.   It was the combination of starkly increasing inflation and an about-turn by Central Banks’ monetary policies that caused the bond rout.

There has been more uncertainty and trepidation in the last two years than any period in recent times, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and all the associated health, social and economic implications. Yet investment markets performed remarkably well during most of this time, seemingly favouring the longer-term growth potential, bolstered by aggressive stimulatory actions, over the shorter-term issues.