Market & Portfolio Update - June 2023

20 July 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update

Market & Portfolio Update - June 2023

Global share markets had another strong month in June, rising 3.7% in New Zealand dollar terms. Investors were encouraged by a sharp drop in year-on-year inflation in the US of 4.0% - still above target but substantially lower than the 9.1% recorded in June 2022.

International bond markets were flat over the month as central banks transitioned from hiking their respective policy rates to pausing to evaluate incoming data. This is a signal that interest rates globally may be nearing their peak. The US Federal Reserve maintained their policy rate at 5.25%, the first pause after 10 consecutive hikes over the past 15 months. This should be supportive of bond returns looking forward.

The first half of the year has started off strongly for financial markets, regaining the lost ground they experienced in 2022. Global share markets have led the way, up 19% in New Zealand dollar terms. This highlights the importance of staying invested during volatile times and not focusing on news headlines which tend to focus on negatives.

preview image - How much money do you really need to retire?

How much money do you really need to retire?

“How much do you think you will need to retire?” It’s the kind of question that can spark anything from a shrug to a nervous laugh around the dinner table. After all, most of us are so busy working hard, raising families, and paying the bills that it is easy to put retirement in the “future me will figure it out” basket.

But those dreams, whether it’s more time with the family, travelling, or simply slowing down, all come with a price tag. The real question is: how do you make sure you will have enough to live the retirement you picture?

30 September 2025 by Andrew Dobson in Financial Planning
preview image - Lifetime Book Club: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Lifetime Book Club: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

“Leaders are not necessarily those with titles, they are the ones who take responsibility for finding potential in people and processes.”

That is the heart of Dare to Lead. This is not your standard leadership guide filled with generic advice and motivational quotes. It is a thoughtful, research-based exploration of what it really takes to lead with courage and authenticity in today’s world.

29 September 2025 by Lifetime