But portfolio managers anticipate market uncertainty
Financials, energy funds top the performance table as markets adjust expectations
A commodities-based economic recovery should support the fortunes of small-cap stocks
Most fund categories ended the month with flat returns
Portfolio managers point to uncertainty caused by Brexit and sluggishness of many economies in Europe
Negative interest rates and the mounting level of global debt are among the factors that tend to support the price of gold bullion
Modest gains were the norm in a laid-back August.
There are some opportunities to be had, portfolio managers say, although investors must tread carefully
European equity funds take the biggest hit, while precious metals funds continue their impressive run
The direction of China's economic growth is a concern in the Asia-Pacific region