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.
New Zealand’s gender pay gap is unlikely to be going anywhere anytime soon and the impact of earning less over a lifetime has an enormous effect on a woman’s immediate and future financial security. This is compounded by a lower level of workplace participation, a tendency to seek part-time casual work and bear the bulk of caring responsibilities for children and other family members. So how can women bridge the gap? Here are some tips on how to build wealth and make positive steps towards pay equity and financial independence despite and in spite of the hurdles women face.
Lifetime continues its growth strategy to build a long-term sustainable financial advice business to serve New Zealanders with the joining of One50 Group. The deal adds accounting and property accounting partnerships, general insurance and business advisory services to the Lifetime advice suite.