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 - The Biggest Mistake Existing Property Investors Make

The Biggest Mistake Existing Property Investors Make

Are you asset-rich but cash-poor? This is very common for a lot of existing property investors who purchased before or during the last property boom and experienced significant gains in property values.

20 August 2025 by Ross Barnett in Property Investment
preview image - Using Your Home to Grow Your Wealth: How to Leverage Equity to Buy a Rental

Using Your Home to Grow Your Wealth: How to Leverage Equity to Buy a Rental

You have worked hard to buy your home. Paid the mortgage, watched the value rise, and chipped away at the balance over time. Now you might be wondering: can this be the foundation for something more?

If you have built up equity in your home, the answer might be yes.

13 August 2025 by Sarah Maclennan in Home Loans