Market & Portfolio Update - April 2025
Global markets began April with some volatility as investors digested “Liberation Day” tariffs announced by the Trump administration. In particular, investors feared a tariff war would lead to higher inflation, lower global growth, and the potential erosion of the historic ‘safe haven’ status enjoyed by the US dollar. However, the markets recovered a significant portion of these losses following the announcement that all reciprocal tariffs except China’s would be delayed for 90 days. Due to the volatility, global markets were down -3.8% for the month.
The NZ share market proved to be less volatile than global markets but still ended April down -3.0% nonetheless, as the ever-evolving global political environment spooked investors.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate another 0.25% to 3.50%. As this was widely expected, the announcement was a non-event for markets.
New Zealand and global Fixed Interest markets were up +1.1% and +0.8%, respectively, as investors retreated to safe haven assets during the tariff volatility.
A look back at when the world feared the worst
On August 2, 1990, the world woke up to a grim headline: “Iraq Invades Kuwait; Oil Prices Soar, Markets Plunge.”
Saddam Hussein's forces had crossed into Kuwait, triggering fears of a prolonged conflict in the oil-rich Middle East.
The immediate market reaction was swift and severe.
Lifetime Book Club: The Let Them Theory
In a world where we spend so much energy trying to control outcomes, manage other people’s opinions, and keep everything on track, this book offers a different approach. One that suggests peace comes not from controlling more, but from letting go.