Optimism around the easing of inflation and potential interest rate cuts led to a rally in equity markets towards the end of December 2023. With markets continuing to fluctuate significantly, the selection of a reasonable discount rate remains a key consideration, whether for the purpose of financial reporting or for any valuation analysis.

Markets have declined over the last quarter as persistent inflation and the potential for further rate rises continue to weigh on the ASX 200. These fears have seen a rapid increase in government bond yields over the last month. With market conditions continuing to evolve rapidly, we have provided an update on our assessment of discount rates as at 30 September 2023.

Inflation has slowed but economic uncertainty continues to drive market volatility, with growth in the Australian economy and household spending slowing. The selection of a reasonable discount rate therefore remains a key consideration, whether for the purpose of financial reporting or for any valuation analysis.

Markets have been volatile over the last month with uncertainty surrounding the global banking system and the broader economy, alongside inflation and recession concerns. With market conditions continuing to evolve rapidly, we have provided an update on our assessment of discount rates as at 31 March 2023.

1. Market discount rate update – introduction Click to download PDF version Inflation and recession concerns continue to drive market volatility, with a deteriorating outlook

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1. Market discount rate update – introduction Click to download PDF version Global recession fears, alongside rising inflation and interest rates, have fuelled market volatility