Weekly Market Update 5 October 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Share markets fell over the last week, largely in response to a renewed rise in bond yields. Commodity prices rose, although this was mainly due to higher oil prices. Strong US economic data and some rise in expectations for Fed tightening saw the $US rise and this saw the $A fall below $US0.71. Bond yields have resumed their rising trend, with …
How is the Kiwi dollar faring? Investors have been watching the Australian dollar weaken since January, but they may not be aware that the currency of our near neighbour New Zealand has also been under pressure, with further weakening likely. The New Zealand dollar has fallen as the Fed continues to raise rates in the US and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announced an unexpectedly dovish policy stance. In its August monetary statement, …
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Wrap 27 September 2018 This month the key ESG issues making headlines are: Oil & Gas: Chevron’s Gorgon CCS project delayed Global E-Commerce Giants – workers face insecurity and crushing targets Automakers under suspicion of fresh cheating in new emissions test San Francisco climate change resolution ‘just the start of pressure’ on US insurers Energy: US Utility Rates Driving Record Demand for Home Energy …
What’s happening in the Chinese economy at the moment? Investors should keep a watching brief on the Chinese economy, AMP Capital Investment Strategist, Angus Nicholson says. He warns that key risks include weak credit growth, the US trade war and signs of slowing global growth. “Investors should keep a bit of an eye on China this year. China has been a growing risk factor in many investors’ perceptions at the moment.” But Nicholson says …
Are young families the most vulnerable as house prices head lower? The long-term rise in Australian home prices has led to a huge inter-generational transfer of wealth from the young to the old. A material reversal in property values will go some way to unwinding this, creating winners and losers amongst the generations. Australia has long had a love affair with home ownership, which is illustrated by the strong growth in residential prices over the …
Six forces driving Australian equity portfolio returns We are now in the late stage of the business cycle when a range of risks and opportunities are being thrown up at Australian equity investors. These reflect changes in fast-moving global markets, domestic policy choices and the evolving priorities of local businesses. These changes will create exciting opportunities for some Australian companies but throw up challenges for others. 1. The global economy is becoming more volatile The …
Weekly Market Update 28 September 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week While US shares fell slightly over the last week most major share market saw gains.Bond yields fell a bit in the US and Australia but rose elsewhere. Oil prices rose after OPEC left output unchanged, but metal and iron prices fell. The $US rose, particularly as the Euro fell on renewed Italian budget worries, and this saw the $A slip …
Successful investing despite 115 million worries and Truth Decay – how to turn down the noise Key points A surge in financial information and opinion combined with our inclination to focus on negative news risks making us worse investors: more fearful, more jittery, more reactive, less reflective & more short term. This is potentially harmful to our long-term financial health. Five ways to turn down the noise & stay focussed as an investor are: …
Five charts to keep an eye on regarding the global economy Key points Whether a recession is imminent or not in the US, and more broadly globally, is critically important in terms of whether a major bear market in shares is on the way. Five key global charts to watch in getting a handle on whether a major downturn is on the way are: global business conditions PMIs; global inflation; the US yield curve; …
The latest on Brexit and Italy Europe has once again become a source of concern for investors this year, with Brexit and Italy’s new populist government the latest causes of volatility amid fears they could threaten the European Union. But investors need to put those concerns around Italy and Brexit in context. In 2016, a non-compulsory referendum of the British people voted in favour of leaving the EU. Britain is now in the process …
