Global sharemarket outlook: Strong earnings face risk from higher interest rates

Opinion byRotorua Daily Post·18 Oct, 2026 03:00 PM5 mins to readMark Lister is investment director at Craigs Investment Partners‌Markets expect the Official Cash Rate to finish the year at 3%, up from 2.75% today and 2.25% at the beginning of this year, Mark Lister writes. Photo / Mark MitchellIt’s been a strong year so far, with most sharemarkets performing well despite some volatility along the way.The S&P 500 index in the US is up 14.0%, ahead of its long-term average of about 10%.The UK and Europe are also up solidly so far, returning 6-7% each. As