Markets continued to be volatile in May with investors now more concerned about potential spill over of financial risks to the real economy. Grim earnings reports and guidance from some consumer-related companies in the US alongside a slump in business and consumer confidence raised recession and stagflation concerns. Locally, political risks were also elevated following corruption allegations levelled against the president. However, despite a negative backdrop, major asset classes closed almost unchanged in May, thanks to the relief rally towards the end of the month.
