Market & Portfolio Update - April 2019
Market & Portfolio Update - April 2019
April saw global share markets continue the strong performance that we have seen so far this year. Global markets have now returned an impressive 17% since the start of the year, having now recovered from the volatility we saw towards the end of the 2018.
Europe was the strongest performing of the developed markets, benefiting from stronger than expected GDP growth. GDP for the Euro bloc was up 0.4% for the first quarter of 2019, a growth rate faster than what we saw in the second half of last year.
Towards the end of March, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced that the next change in the Official Cash Rate was likely to be down, catching many in the market by surprise. The update caused interest rates across the range of maturities to fall along with the New Zealand Dollar. The fall in the NZ Dollar helps NZ’s export sector along with investors like yourselves with overseas assets that are now worth more as a result.
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. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.
How $20 a Week Could Grow Into $100,000
Retirement might not be on your teen’s radar, but a small step now could mean a $100,000 future.
This article breaks down how a $20-a-week KiwiSaver contribution — started early — can quietly snowball into life-changing savings. Perfect for parents looking to set their teens up with a powerful financial head start.
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.