Market & Portfolio Update - May 2019
Market & Portfolio Update - May 2019
Most portfolios gave back a small portion of this year’s strong gains during May, with Balanced Portfolios down around 1% (compared to a 7% gain over the previous 12 months). This was driven by volatility in world share markets as trade tensions were again in the headlines, and some indicators of economic growth continued to weaken.
Global shares were the only major asset class to have negative returns for the month. The other 7 asset classes had a positive return.
With market interest rates also moving lower, fixed interest investments performed well, with both NZ and global bonds rising in value by 1% which helped support overall results.
NZ and Australian shares also performed positively, with our NZ share investments up almost 1%, and Australian shares buoyed by shares in the major banks. Banking shares returned 6% on average, after the Australian Liberal Party’s surprise election win cleared the way for continued favourable tax treatment on their dividends, and less regulatory pressure.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held as at the report date and are subject to change without notice. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.
Finding Your Financial Ikigai: The Japanese Art of a Balanced & Purposeful Life
In a world that often measures success in financial terms, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a refreshing perspective. Transcending the boundaries of culture and geography, this philosophy loosely translates as "a reason for being". Ikigai is a convergence of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It's an approach that represents a broader view of prosperity, encompassing joy, purpose, and contentment. As financial advisers, we find this particularly compelling. This article delves deeper into how Ikigai can not only enrich your life but also inform your financial decisions for a more fulfilling journey.
Lifetime Book Club: Intentional by Chris Bailey
In a world full of distractions, half-finished to-do lists, and “I’ll get to that later” energy, this book feels like a helpful nudge back to what really matters.
It’s not about doing more for the sake of it. It’s about doing the right things, with more purpose, more clarity, and a little less chaos.

