International events the key influence on stock markets in 2016

The Australian share market was heavily influenced by international events in 2016, and it is likely to happen again in 2017. Image: The indicator board at the ASX in Sydney (AAP)

The indicator board at the ASX in Sydney Source: AAP

After a rollercoaster first half of 2016, shares fell below where they started after the Brexit vote -- and then again immediately after Donald Trump's election win in the United States.

 

But that was short-lived.

 

Once the market focused on Mr Trump's economic policies, Australian shares have risen about 9 per cent since the US election outcome.