Market & Portfolio Update - January 2023
Global share markets got off to a strong start to the year, rising 6.5% in local currency terms. Investors were encouraged by a sixth consecutive monthly fall in US year-on-year inflation in December. At 6.5%, US inflation is still above target but is down meaningfully from its peak of 9.1% in June.
Encouraging news on inflation led investors to expect fewer interest rate hikes from central banks going forward. This supported the returns of bond markets. Global and New Zealand bond markets rose around 2% – quite decent returns when it comes to bond investments. These returns provided some reprieve for bond investors after higher interest rates have weighed on bond returns throughout much of 2022.
Money & Mental Health - Let's Talk About The Link
Over half of New Zealanders say financial stress has impacted their wellbeing. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a signal. It means many of us are quietly worrying about our financial future, unsure who to turn to or where to start.
At Lifetime, we know financial advice is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about reducing worry, building confidence, and helping you feel more in control, both emotionally and financially.