The influential US equity market once again provided a positive lead for the rest of the world by posting an impressive 4.7% gain for the month brushing aside concerns about a possible trade war, preferring to focus on the positive earnings environment.
European markets were also strong with Germany up 4.1% and France 3.5% firmer while across the channel the UK market improved only 1.8% as it continues to labor through the difficulties of extracting itself from the EU.
Mainland China edged marginally higher but struggled under the cloud of the potential economic impact of trade sanctions from the US while the Australian market added 1.4% consolidating its strong gains in June.
Fixed interest markets were very subdued with US 10-year treasuries 10bp higher to 2.96% and Australian 10-year bonds just 2bp higher finishing at 2.65%.
The AUD rose marginally against the USD to close around the US 74 cent mark.
Commodities were a mixed bag with iron ore 4.8% higher whereas with oil was down 7.3% and base metals were all weaker on concerns about the impact on demand of a potential trade war.