Market & Portfolio Update - July 2022
Prices of goods and services have continued to rise, with inflation numbers exceeding expectations around the world. In New Zealand we hit a 30-year high of 7.3%. Since this was released there has been a drop in a wide range of commodity prices, including oil, which has given hope to investors that we may be past the peak of inflation.
Central banks continue to raise interest rates in an effort to slow down business and consumer spending and to bring inflation back to more sustainable levels. NZ, Europe and US are amongst a long list of central banks that increased rates by another 0.50%-0.75% in the last month.
Labour markets remain historically tight, helping the perseverance of the economy. The most recent data shows unemployment in New Zealand at 3.3%, considerably lower than the 5% average that has been seen over the last 15 years.
Lifetime Book Club: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
It’s an old idea. But Morgan Housel brings it to life in a way that feels fresh, relevant, and surprisingly practical.
In a world obsessed with what’s next, new technology, market shifts, global uncertainty, Same as Ever flips the script.
Instead of asking “what will change?”, it asks a better question:
What won’t?
The Financial Realities of the Sandwich Generation
If you’re in your 40s, 50s or even 60s, chances are you’re juggling more than just your own goals right now. Maybe your kids still need your help financially – while at the same time, your parents are beginning to lean on you too.
Welcome to the Sandwich Generation – where you're caught between two sets of responsibilities, and still trying to plan for your own future. It’s not easy, but it is manageable. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone.