Market Update - December 2025
Welcome to 2026. It would be easy to confuse the start of this year with the start of last, with Donald Trump and geopolitical issues dominating headlines around the world. Fortunately, for your portfolios, these big headlines make little long-term impact on performance, and you will be pleased to see strong return numbers for the 2025 calendar year. Of course, we remain vigilant and must always expect market conditions to change, with short-term swings occurring in many unexpected ways over 2026.
As usual, we have a short video reviewing the past year and breaking down the performance numbers for your portfolio which you can view above.
When markets are strong, as they are now, it is always a good time to review your projections with your adviser in case improvements can be made, such as increasing your estate goals or planned spending. If you feel now is a good time to discuss this, please let us know.
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As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Market & Portfolio Update: July 2026
Early in the month, renewed tension in the Middle East briefly pushed Brent crude oil above US$100 a barrel, which lifted energy prices and brought inflation concerns back into focus.
Lifetime Book Club: Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
In The Paradox of Choice, psychologist Barry Schwartz explores a curious feature of modern life: while freedom and choice are undoubtedly valuable, there can come a point where having more options makes decisions harder, increases our expectations and leaves us questioning whether we made the right choice at all.
From what to buy and where to eat to decisions about careers, relationships and money, Schwartz looks at the hidden mental cost of constantly comparing our options – and makes the case that sometimes, simplifying our choices can leave us better off.
Interest rates on the move again.
Just when it looked like interest rates were heading in one direction, the picture has changed again.
After a period of falling rates, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) increased the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 2.25% to 2.50% in July, its first increase in three years.
For homeowners and prospective buyers, it is a useful reminder that interest rates do not always move in a straight line. More importantly, it highlights why having the right mortgage structure can matter just as much as securing a competitive rate.