April’s investment market commentary
April was a relatively quiet month, particularly in comparison to March and the first quarter more broadly. Markets seemed to crave a period of calm after concerns over the US banking sector during the previous month, which generated heightened investor concerns and volatility. Ironically, the lack of sustained concern regarding the banking system in April (notwithstanding lingering question marks about the future of First Republic Bank) refocused market attention back to the possibility of further interest rate increases by central banks; especially given relative strong economic data and signs of more persistent underlying inflation. It also gave markets space to think about other potential risks such as the approaching US debt ceiling deadline. This is a deadline that comes around way too often (and shouldn’t really happen at all) and while it is inconceivable that the US government defaults on its debt, there is always a risk of a mistake, especially if brinkmanship is taken too far. The impact so far has been limited to the short-term US treasury bill market, but if we get closer to the June deadline without any resolution in sight, we may see more broader volatility.
Global equity markets (+1.4%) managed to post a positive return. Dovish language and the continuation of loose monetary policy by the Bank of Japan’s new governor helped stocks in Japan (+2.7%) generate some of the strongest returns. In comparison, emerging markets (-0.7%) lagged, dragged down by weaker markets in Asia, specifically China and Taiwan as a result of heightened tensions between the two countries. In terms of style, value / cyclically oriented equities (+1.8%) slightly outperformed growth stocks (+1.2%). This was to some extent also reflected in the sector performance, with energy (+4.1%) and financials (+3.4%) among the best performing areas. However, it is important to note that the more defensive sectors such as consumer staples (+3.9%), healthcare (+3.5%) and utilities (+3.0%) also performed well in April. At the other end of the spectrum, information technology (-0.6%), and consumer discretionary (-0.8%) sectors trailed the most.
Within fixed income markets, despite the expectation that central banks would need to tighten policy further, bond yields were little changed on the month, meaning fixed income returns were broadly positive. Looking at the detail, global government bond prices rose (+0.4%), although UK gilts (-1.7%) declined sharply on the back of higher-than-expected inflation. Global investment grade credit (+0.8%) generated a positive return over the month as spreads tightened, and at the risker end of the credit spectrum the same was true with global emerging market debt (+0.5%) and global high yield (+0.7%) also increasing during April.
In terms of real assets, the more interest rate sensitive property and infrastructure markets marginally outperformed equities over the month, with the global listed infrastructure (+1.7%) and global REITs index (+1.9%) both generating positive returns. In comparison, commodities (-0.8%) fell, however, there was significant divergence across the different markets. Industrial metals (-3.4%) were the weakest area, due to doubts about future economic demand, closely followed by agriculture (-1.7%) due to declining wheat and corn prices. Crude oil (+2.2%) was one of the strongest areas, helped in part by the announcement that OPEC+ nations were cutting oil output at the start of the month. Gold (+1.0%) was also positive, with the year-to-date gain for the precious metal now +9.2%, supported by a weaker US dollar.
INDEX | END MARCH VALUE | END APRIL VALUE |
FTSE 100 | 7631.74 | 7870.57 |
DJ Ind. Average | 33274.15 | 34098.16 |
S&P Composite | 4109.31 | 4169.48 |
Nasdaq 100 | 13181.35 | 13245.99 |
Nikkei | 28041.48 | 28856.44 |
£/$ | 1.2337 | 1.2567 |
€/£ | 0.87902 | 0.87676 |
€/$ | 1.0839 | 1.1019 |
£ Base Rate | 4.25 | 4.25 |
Brent Crude | 79.89 | 80.33 |
Gold | 1969.28 | 1990.00 |
This month’s values quoted as at 28/04/2023. The above values are sourced from Bloomberg and are quoted in the relevant currency.
We regularly publish articles, as well as host webinars, to explain what’s happening in financial markets or how you can manage your wealth. Just submit your email address to receive the updates in your inbox.
Clients of Nedbank Private Wealth can get in touch with their private bankers directly to understand how their portfolios are responding to market events or call +44 (0)1624 645000 and speak to our client services team.
If you would like to find out more about how we help manage clients’ investments, please also contact us on the number above. Or you can get in touch using the links to the forms towards the end of this page.
Investments can go down, as well as up, to the extent that you might get back less than the total you originally invested. Exchange rates also impact the value of your investments. Past performance is no guide to future returns. Any individual investment or security mentioned here may not be suitable, and is included for information only and is not a recommendation. You should always seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.
about the author

Simon Watts
Based in the London office, Simon was appointed to the role of senior investment analyst in 2012, focusing primarily on fund research and portfolio management for Nedgroup Investments, a sister company of Nedbank Private Wealth. Simon has 20 years of industry experience in asset management and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Prior to joining the firm, Simon worked as a senior investment analyst at XL Group, a global insurance and reinsurance company, within its investment management division. Further experience includes working at UBS Investment Bank within their economic research department as an economist and strategist, focusing on emerging European markets.
Biography
Based in the London office, Simon was appointed to the role of senior investment analyst in 2012, focusing primarily on fund research and portfolio management for Nedgroup Investments, a sister company of Nedbank Private Wealth. Simon has 20 years of industry experience in asset management and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Prior to joining the firm, Simon worked as a senior investment analyst at XL Group, a global insurance and reinsurance company, within its investment management division. Further experience includes working at UBS Investment Bank within their economic research department as an economist and strategist, focusing on emerging European markets.
+44 (0)20 7002 3492
Access more of our insights
The week in review
23 May
| 4 mins
During the week of 15 May 2023, investor sentiment was buoyed by a more positive tone in the US debt ceiling negotiations. But continued tightness in labour markets prompted more hawkish comments from central banks on their determination to reduce inflation.
Get in touch
If you are interested in becoming a client, please complete the form via the ‘become a client’ button below. Alternatively, if you are already a client, or if you have a question about how we help clients in particular circumstances, please use the ‘contact us’ button.
We will get back to you as soon as we can during office hours, which are Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (UK time), except for UK public holidays.