Market & Portfolio Update - January 2022
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures show high inflation in major economies across the globe. They reached 7% in the US for 2021, the highest since 1982, they reached 5.9% in NZ, the highest since 1990, and they reached 5.4% in the UK, the highest since 1992. This high inflation is one reason for the central banks interest rate hikes, as higher rates help to counteract inflation.
The USA, UK, Australia, and Spain (among others) have all seen daily recorded covid cases peak and start to fall back in January. While we hope this brings us closer to the end of the pandemic as the virus runs its course, we are watchful as to what this will mean for NZ in the next few months.
You can read more on the current investment market with our recent article A Choppy Start To 2022.
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.