Market & Portfolio Update - July 2018
Market & Portfolio Update - July 2018
Share markets again rose moderately for the month, which saw investment fund returns resume their gradual upward path. Higher growth funds benefited more from good returns on shares in emerging markets, with Chinese shares now up 25% over the past six months.
While political posturing is heating up ahead of the New Zealand election, so far the likely effects for the NZ share market do not appear overly significant, and local shares have also continued to gain.
During July, Booster investment funds expanded their unlisted investments with the purchase of Waimea Estates, Nelson’s second-largest winery, and its associated vineyards. While still a relatively small part of overall portfolios, this further broadens their scope and provides a land-based investment at an attractive yield, as well the opportunity to grow Waimea’s established wine-making and marketing operations.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.
Home Loan Rates Are Dropping – But Look Who Quietly Beat ANZ to the Punch
There’s no denying it: after the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut last week, interest rates are finally starting to fall – and fast.
ANZ made headlines with a sharp round of fixed rate drops this week, bringing its 18-month special down to 4.89% and its one-year fixed rate to 4.95%. That’s the lowest ANZ’s fixed rates have been in over three years, and a welcome reprieve for buyers and refixers alike.
Making Sense of Budget 2025: What It Means for Your Money
Budget 2025 has landed, and with it, a sharp focus on doing more with less. Branded as a back-to-basics budget, this year’s announcement signals a disciplined approach to spending, with targeted support in areas that matter most: healthcare, education and the economy.
Whether you’re planning your next career move, growing a business or making sure your retirement savings are working hard, the Budget can have a flow-on effect. Let’s unpack what’s changed, what it means for you, and how to stay financially confident in the year ahead.