Market & Portfolio Update - April 2021
Global share markets continued their march higher during April, rising 4% in local currency terms. Economic data has brushed off the horrid Covid situation in India and continues to surprise to the upside. Labour markets are rebounding quickly compared to other cycles and business confidence surveys sit comfortably in expansionary mode.
One theme that continues to be front of mind for investors is rising inflation around the world. Covid-19 has disrupted the global supply chain, initially causing things to grind to a halt before quickly needing to ramp back up to levels higher than pre-covid. This “whip” type effect, along with the large-scale stimulus, has resulted in inflation rates rising. We began adjusting our investments for this in the second half of 2020, by adding inflation-linked bonds in both the NZ fixed interest and global fixed interest sectors.
Maximise Your Miles: Financial Tips for Frequent Flyers
Whether you’re a young Kiwi planning your OE (overseas experience), a family about to embark on that long-awaited trip to Disneyland, or a seasoned business traveller hopping between meetings in Singapore and Sydney, the excitement of travel is unbeatable. But with every adventure comes a bit of financial planning to ensure your holiday memories aren’t clouded by an unexpected hit to the wallet.
Lifetime Book Club: Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape
This month, we’re shifting gears with a fantastic read for the whole family – Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape. If you’re looking to teach your children about money in a way that’s fun, practical, and empowering, this book is a must-have. Barefoot Kids takes Scott Pape’s signature no-nonsense financial wisdom and adapts it for the next generation. It’s filled with engaging stories, hands-on activities, and simple lessons to help kids understand how money works – and more importantly, how to manage it well.