Market & Portfolio Update - May 2020
Share markets across the world continued to recover solidly during May, looking ahead to a gradual loosening of restrictions, and have now recovered much of the March sell-off. The range of Booster’s core diversified funds have now delivered moderate gains over the past 12 months, a pleasing outcome given the volatility we have seen. While it would be premature to conclude that the world is out of the woods yet, the recent market recovery highlights the importance of sticking with a carefully chosen investment plan when markets are volatile.
However, the market recovery has not been even. The share market values of businesses that are more vulnerable to a period of disruption have still been most negatively affected. Our active investment choices in areas like healthcare firms, and a focus in our global shares on companies with solid cash income has helped support returns. Selectively supporting NZ companies looking to raise capital has also provided good opportunities at attractive prices. From here, we remain focused on staying adaptive, as worldwide policymakers tackle the balance between ongoing economic disruption, the pace of easing lockdown measures, and the length of economic support required to ultimately get the global economy moving again.
Lifetime Book Club: The Green Mile by Stephen King
Sometimes the most powerful stories aren’t the ones that scare us. They’re the ones that move us.
Stephen King might be best known for horror, but The Green Mile is a story of humanity, compassion, and courage in the face of unthinkable circumstances. Set in a 1930s prison, it follows Paul Edgecombe, a death row officer, and John Coffey, a man with extraordinary empathy and an inexplicable gift.
The Growing Divide: Why Private Medical Claims Are Surging in New Zealand
It feels like there is another headline about our public health system being under pressure every week. Long waitlists, staff shortages, and hospitals struggling to keep up. It is no surprise that more Kiwis are turning to private healthcare to get the treatment they need and faster.