Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019

7 March 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019

Global share markets continued to rebound in February and have now recovered almost all of the decline we saw in the last three months of 2018. The Chinese share market was the standout performer, rebounding almost 14% after responding positively to stimulus provided by the Chinese Government. This also helped trade sentiment globally and drove higher prices for commodities such as iron ore – this in turn supported the Australian share market in particular, which gained 6%. 

The US Government is now open for business again after the longest shut-down in US history.  President Trump shut a good portion of the government down over funding for his wall.

US – China Trade Talks.  Early indications are that good progress has been made towards an overall trade agreement acceptable to both countries.

The US Central Bank also gave indications that they now have some flexibility regarding their interest rate hikes, acknowledge the recent slowdown and are happy to take a wait and see approach for the moment.  Share-markets really liked this.

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.

preview image - The Biggest Mistake Existing Property Investors Make

The Biggest Mistake Existing Property Investors Make

Are you asset-rich but cash-poor? This is very common for a lot of existing property investors who purchased before or during the last property boom and experienced significant gains in property values.

20 August 2025 by Ross Barnett in Property Investment
preview image - Using Your Home to Grow Your Wealth: How to Leverage Equity to Buy a Rental

Using Your Home to Grow Your Wealth: How to Leverage Equity to Buy a Rental

You have worked hard to buy your home. Paid the mortgage, watched the value rise, and chipped away at the balance over time. Now you might be wondering: can this be the foundation for something more?

If you have built up equity in your home, the answer might be yes.

13 August 2025 by Sarah Maclennan in Home Loans