Market & Portfolio Update - July 2021
Global share markets had another good month, with the US market performing well. July saw many US companies report their latest financial results, with around 85% of companies beating the market’s expectations. Investments in overseas shares also benefitted from the NZ dollar falling over the month. This added approximately 2% to the portion of your overseas investments where the currency is ‘unhedged’ and free to move with foreign exchange rates.
The global share managers which we employ to manage part of your global share investments both performed well during July. California-based Fisher Investments led the way, supported by their holdings in a number of large US technology companies. The share price of US technology companies have risen strongly over the past month, with the industry reporting 45% growth in earnings compared to last year.
The New Zealand and Australian share markets were relatively flat during July. The latest Covid outbreak has seen many of the Australian states move back into lockdown. As a result, businesses which rely on physical stores have been impacted. Several New Zealand based companies were also impacted by the lockdowns, such as Kathmandu and corporate travel software company, Serko.
Maximise Your Miles: Financial Tips for Frequent Flyers
Whether you’re a young Kiwi planning your OE (overseas experience), a family about to embark on that long-awaited trip to Disneyland, or a seasoned business traveller hopping between meetings in Singapore and Sydney, the excitement of travel is unbeatable. But with every adventure comes a bit of financial planning to ensure your holiday memories aren’t clouded by an unexpected hit to the wallet.
Lifetime Book Club: Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape
This month, we’re shifting gears with a fantastic read for the whole family – Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape. If you’re looking to teach your children about money in a way that’s fun, practical, and empowering, this book is a must-have. Barefoot Kids takes Scott Pape’s signature no-nonsense financial wisdom and adapts it for the next generation. It’s filled with engaging stories, hands-on activities, and simple lessons to help kids understand how money works – and more importantly, how to manage it well.