1. The RBA kept the overnight cash rate steady at 2.50% during the March meeting. The rate was also left unchanged during the April sitting.
2. Domestic yields increased slightly in March, with the Three Month Bank Bill Swap Rate rising by 0.09% while the Ten Year Australian Bond Rates gained by 0.06%.
3. The price of Australian Shares decreased over the month, with the All Ordinaries Price Index and the S&P/ASX 200 Price Index declining by -0.23% and -0.18%, respectively.
4. Australian Listed Property decreased by -1.63% for the month, as measured by the S&P/ASX 300 Property Price Index.
5. Many countries recorded losses in global sharemarkets. The UK & Hong Kong regions took the hardest hit, with the FTSE 100 (UK) Price Index and the Hang Seng Price Index declining by -3.10% and -3.00% respectively.
6. The US performed relatively well in March, with the Dow Jones Industrials Price Index and the S&P 500 Price Index gaining 0.83% and 0.69% respectively.
7. Commodity prices had an overall positive month, with the US$ CRB Spot Commodity Price Index gaining 3.16%. Gold and Oil prices dropped in March, declining by -3.20% and -0.45% respectively.
8. The AUD increased further against most currencies in March. In particular, it appreciated by 3.89% against the US Dollar, 4.02% versus the Euro, 4.20% against British Pound and 1.74% against the Japanese Yen.
9. The Australian Trade Weighted Index (TWI) increased by 3.05% over the month, indicating a rise in Australia’s international competitiveness.
10. Volatility was relatively stable in March, with the VIX Volatility Index declining by -0.12% for the month, ending the month priced at 13.88%

Click here to access the March 2014 report