A soaring US share market, unrealised losses, and steady cash returns were the main features in portfolio performance over the last year. And decarbonisation of the aviation industry is our topic of interest for the month…

A good reminder to be alert to investment scams. Feel free to pass it on to friends and family…

21 – 25 August 2023: make the most of your money this Sorted Money Month with the 5-day Maximise your Money Challenge from Financial Advice NZ…

It's never too early (or too late) to think about managing your money. Take time to make the most of your money with Financial Advice New Zealand’s 5-Day Maximise Your Money Challenge during Sorted Money Month. And pass it on!…

The US Federal Reserve raised its rate by 0.25% to a new target range of 5.25% to 5.50%, and in New Zealand the OCR is 5.50%. There are signs that inflation is moderating but both central banks have indicated two further rate rises of 0.25% will be needed. The general view is interest rates will remain high for some time…

Inflation continues to be a big story in markets, but it seems it is now under control. US inflation cooled to 4% for the year to 31 May, and, as generally predicted, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 5.00 to 5.25% and signalled a 0.50% increase later this year. Our Reserve Bank boss, Adrian Orr, says he’s confident that further rate increases are not needed…

The global battle against high inflation, rising interest rates, and fears of economic recession influenced investment returns over the last year. Markets do not like worries and uncertainty - the AI arms race, and US government debt ceiling negotiations are current issues that investors are mulling over…

The global “war on inflation” continues and expectations remain that inflation, and therefore interest rates, will remain higher than average for some time yet. Possible recession in the US is worrying investors and in NZ there are concerns that the Reserve Bank has been too severe with rate rises…

A good start to the year for markets has partially made up for losses incurred in 2022 when markets grappled with high inflation. Bear in mind these losses are unrealised and will recover when market sentiment turns. On a positive note, rising interest rates mean more income – and cash flow – from interest.…

While the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle and the unprecedented Auckland floods have made for a challenging start to the year, it has been a different story for markets which have enjoyed a bit of a rally globally so far in 2023. Is this the start of the next bull market? Maybe, maybe not. But what it does show is how quickly things can change and reinforces the importance of staying invested…

The FMA hosted an event on financial wellbeing for women in celebration of International Women’s Day 2023 - Wednesday 8 March at 12:00pm. It’s now available to watch or listen on YouTube here…

With the page having turned on another year, it is time to turn our thoughts to the investment challenges that lie ahead as economies continue to grapple with high inflation and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict the future but whatever happens this year, sticking to our principles of calm, discipline, and a long-term perspective will help deliver decent returns…