The R-100 moved into uncharted territory last month when it climbed 3.8% to reach 1122.09. Following on from last month’s 4.9% rise, September’s result took it nearly 0.5% past the Index’s previous peak.

The record showing is partly explained by the fact that, for the second month running, all three regions ended the period in positive territory. As in August, the Americas led the way with a rise of 4.6% and 36 of the 40 companies posting gains. EMEA was boosted by 4.2%, with 32 advancers and just six decliners. Asia-Pacific was mixed, with eleven risers and eight fallers, but still managed to gain 0.7% overall.

The new R-100 high tops the previous record of 1117.49 set in March of this year. It means the Index has climbed 4.1% in the year to date and is 8.4% higher than this year’s low, set in July. The new figure also represents a gain of 6.8% on 12 months ago and is 21% ahead of the Index’s all-time low, set in August 2004.

Can the industry keep up the good work for a third straight month?
Jim Chalmers