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 …
Where does all my money go? Save money on your three biggest expenses The three biggest drains on our money are paying for housing, food and transport. And there’s no getting away from the fact that it is unlikely we can live without any of the “big three”. Here we look at some ways of how to save on these items. Saving on rent in the Big Smoke It can be hard to save money …
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 …
Sharing financial wisdom between the generations Money know-how can come from anyone, young or old. When it comes to financial wisdom, author and speaker Kylie Travers and actor and singer Charmaine Bingwa have taken their lead from the previous generation. Save and save some more There’s no getting around it, getting on top of your finances means saving and saving means having discipline. Both Kylie and Charmaine learnt from their parents – and grandparents in …
To save or invest? In today’s low interest rate environment, it’s hard to get ahead with your savings to buy a home or other personal goals. But if you don’t have much to lose is it too big a gamble to be investing your money instead? This article draws on expert advice from a planner about whether investing is a good option for making more from the money you have. We’ll talk about different strategies …
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: …
