Our unique index of technology stocks could not escape the volatility that spread from Asia at the end of February. The R-100 ended the month on 1247.15, down 1.75% on January’s all-time high close of 1269.37.

Ironically, it was only the Asia-Pacific component of the R-100 that ended the month in credit. A mix of eight gainers and 12 decliners produced a marginal rise of just over 0.1%.

Europe was worst hit by the month’s end: 12 risers and 27 decliners (with one unchanged) produced an overall fall of 3.5%.

In the Americas, a mixed performance saw 14 stocks in positive territory with 26 headed the opposite way. The net result was a 1.6% fall.

With the shockwaves of February now working themselves out the global market system, it will be worth watching whether March sees a recovery in the R-100.
Jim Chalmers