Many things affect the Australian stock market, including the state of the national economy, corporate profits, government policy (including corporate tax rates and interest rates) and business and investor confidence.

A notable economic feature of late is the inexorable rise in US interest rates, and its consequential effect on rates elsewhere, and market valuations. Equally notable is the escalation of trade disputes, most particularly between the United States and China. This shift towards greater protectionism by the United States could, if not mitigated, trigger more dramatic retaliatory actions, possibly including currency devaluations, and stands as a primary market risk as we look to the remainder of 2018 and into 2019.

“If you can't avoid being deported, scarper now before it's too late. Slip away at night. ... Put on your false nose. Dye your hair. See a plastic surgeon. Become someone else and run, run, run.” - Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs (allegedly giving advice to Australian fugitive Christopher Skase)