The ASX bounced a solid 4% this month as Quarter 3 business conditions lifted to new post-GFC highs. The Jobs market recorded strong 3.3% y/y growth, which helped unemployment fall to 5.5% (a 4 year low). The jobs growth is now the fastest since 2008.

Blackrock's latest outlook sees global growth 'cruising at above-trend rates', and beleive inflation is 'picking up in the U.S. but moving sideways at low levels in the Eurozone, supporting monetary policy divergence'. Remarkably steady growth has muted market volatility, and they see this providing fertile ground for risk-taking in equities and emerging market (EM) assets.

The Japanese stockmarket was the best performer, adding 8% this month.