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…

As we begin the new year it’s interesting to reflect on 2022 and look ahead to 2023. High inflation, rising interest rates, Russia invasion of Ukraine, energy crisis in the UK, Queen Elizabeth II died, China zero covid, COP27, Football world cup… All in all, 2022 was a huge year and one that hasn’t been particularly enjoyable for investors…

The market has rallied over the last 2 months as investor optimism regarding moderating inflation and interest rates improves. But a high level of uncertainty prevails and equity markets are likely to remain volatile…

Inflation continues to be stubbornly high and central banks around the world (except for China) are taking steps to force interest rates higher to dampen demand for goods and services and thereby bring inflation under control…

Central banks all around the world are acting to dampen down inflation by forcing interest rates higher. They are signalling further increases. Rising interest rates have caused prices of bonds in the secondary market (existing bonds) to fall….

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, inflation remains front of mind for investors. The collective market mind is constantly predicting where interest rates will go and the impact on the economy. The word “recession” is bandied about. The result is volatility in share markets and reduced market prices for bonds…