Domestic equity markets remained volatile during the month under review as markets rose initially after the former U.S. President and Republican candidate took a decisive lead in the 2024 U.S. election, which increased the expectation of tax cuts and increased government spending in the U.S. However, the trend reversed as sentiment was weighed on concerns over potential impact of the newly elected U.S. President’s protectionist policies on the global economy as investors awaited clarity on the President’s policy proposals on global geopolitics, U.S.- China relations, NATO, immigration, and economic policies.