Market & Portfolio Update - May 2023

28 June 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2023

May saw global share markets deliver a flat return in local currency terms. Worries over the US debt ceiling made headlines; however, a deal between Republicans and Democrats was reached shortly after month-end, and the crisis was averted.

California-based Fisher Investments led the way, supported by their holdings in a number of technology companies. For example, Nvidia jumped 40% after it raised its outlook above expectations thanks to demand for its AI processor chips. At the time of writing, the stock is up over 160% year to date.

In May, we saw the release of the latest NZ budget, with the release pointing toward increased debt issuance, more spending and a significant cash deficit. Global credit rating agency S&P reiterated their previous warning around NZ debt levels, indicating a credit rating downgrade may be in the works if we stay on this same path with respect to government spending.

preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - August 2025

Market & Portfolio Update - August 2025

The global share market (represented by the MSCI World Gross Index) was up +2.6% in NZ dollar terms in August. All eyes were on the largest publicly traded company in the world, Nvidia, as the AI chip producer released their latest earnings report, which soundly beat investors’ expectations of sales and earnings. 

16 September 2025 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Lifetime Book Club: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton

Lifetime Book Club: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton

“Money can't buy happiness – unless you know how to spend it.”

That’s the heart of Happy Money. This isn’t your usual guide to budgeting, saving, or investing. It’s a fascinating, research-driven look at how to turn spending into something that genuinely makes you feel good – not just for a moment, but in a meaningful, lasting way.

27 August 2025 by Lifetime in Lifetime Book Club