To anyone watching the share market over the last year, it would seem the letters “AI” are akin to a magic wand that will pump up the share price of any company involved in it. Our international equity strategy has certainly reaped the reward with returns over 17% for the year. Exciting stuff but we’re not getting carried away. In this months article we look at how high debt is impacting economic growth and what this means for investment returns…

In today's complex and ever-changing financial landscape, navigating investment decisions can sometimes feel a bit like sailing through uncharted waters – dodging financial storms and treacherous currents. Here's how a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL ADVISER (CFP) can be your lifeline..

The standout performer continues to be our international share strategy returning over 20% for the year largely driven by the ‘Magnificent 7’ US tech companies. One of these is Nvidia, a company that designs and supplies computer chips and software and hardware for artificial intelligence (AI). Over the last two years the share price of this business has tripled!

In today’s world where consumers increasingly demand ever-evolving and improved practices, prioritising profit alone is no longer acceptable - or beneficial - for business. Successful business’s follow the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach to meet these modern consumer demands.…

Developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strong company earnings in the United States are driving share prices higher. However, looking at the year ahead, investment markets are facing a high level of uncertainty. When will inflation return to normal? Will there be an economic recession? When will interest rates come down?…

Global share markets gave investors quite a surprise in 2023. Gloomy forecasts that high interest rates would bring a global recession causing share markets to collapse proved to be well wide of the mark…

Market volatility can be a source of worry in retirement, especially when you are wanting stable income during your golden years. The reassuring news is that a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) can be your trusted guide in helping you to navigate the journey to financial security and well-being…

Investors continue to scrutinise economic data looking for signs that inflationary pressures are abating, but probabilities of when interest rates will be cut continue to prove to be overly optimistic…

Share markets started the new year on the front foot continuing the upward momentum from the end of 2023. The “magnificent 7” (Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc.) continue to generate excitement around the advances of AI, and older fashioned companies like Caterpillar, Mastercard and Visa have also seen their share prices rise to record levels…

Looking back over the year the biggest stories were inflation, inflation, and yet more inflation! AI also took the world by storm – Collins Dictionary even declared it the word of the year, reflecting the increasing prominence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily lives. After a couple of difficult years for portfolio returns, it’s good to see the outlook for 2024 is starting on a more positive note with signs that inflation has peaked so looking ahead we're cautiously optimistic…

When it comes to managing your money, seeking professional help and guidance is a smart step on your investment journey. But not all advice is created equal. Let's talk about why our fundamental belief is that independent financial advice is the best advice…

High inflation leading to high interest rates has been the investment story since March 2022. However, over the last month there has been increasing optimism that interest rates have peaked and will start to fall sometime in 2024. It’s only talk, and markets are always forward looking, but share markets and bond markets have already responded positively…