Market & Portfolio Update - August 2022
Central bankers from around the world met during August at the annual ‘Jackson Hole Symposium’ in the USA. Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), play an important role in guiding the various economies around the world as they battle inflation, so this event was an opportunity to discuss the challenges they’re facing and reiterate their commitment to getting inflation back under control. This came only one week after the RBNZ updated its own monetary policy, raising the OCR from 2.50% to 3.00%.
Market & Portfolio Update: July 2026
Early in the month, renewed tension in the Middle East briefly pushed Brent crude oil above US$100 a barrel, which lifted energy prices and brought inflation concerns back into focus.
Lifetime Book Club: Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
In The Paradox of Choice, psychologist Barry Schwartz explores a curious feature of modern life: while freedom and choice are undoubtedly valuable, there can come a point where having more options makes decisions harder, increases our expectations and leaves us questioning whether we made the right choice at all.
From what to buy and where to eat to decisions about careers, relationships and money, Schwartz looks at the hidden mental cost of constantly comparing our options – and makes the case that sometimes, simplifying our choices can leave us better off.