In January, the market capitalisation of WA-listed companies included in the Deloitte WA Index closed at $152.3 billion at the end of last month, down from $179.3 billion at the end of December.

Deloitte Perth office managing partner Keith Jones said the downward trend was in line with other indices.

“Major world indices also declined in the month of January with the Australian All Ordinaries down 11.28 percent, the US S&P 500 decreasing 8.3 percent, the FTSE decreasing 9.88 percent and the Nikkei decreasing 11.21 percent,” Jones said.

“The Western Australian economy is partially sheltered against a slowing US economy due to the continued demand for Western Australian commodities from Asian countries, particularly China.

“In simple terms, WA stocks are being influenced by reduced worldwide demand led by falling US consumption and the impact this is having on investor confidence.”

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