Market & Portfolio Update – November 2019
Market & Portfolio Update – November 2019
The month of November saw positive results from global share markets, as the United States and China look set to make progress on resolving some of their trade disputes after the last 18 months. Additionally, business confidence improved in both countries, suggesting improvement in the global economy.
While global share markets gained 4% on this optimism, New Zealand shares rose slightly more – this was driven by the retirement village operators, with some signs that New Zealand’s housing market, in particular Auckland, may be rebounding.
Also in New Zealand, the Reserve Bank surprised the market by keeping the Official Cash Rate on hold at 1%, rather than cutting rates further as expected. They cited a more upbeat environment for our local economy, although reiterated that interest rates would remain low. Given the ‘surprise’ it was pleasing to see that New Zealand share investments held up well after having been supported by falling interest rates in recent years, with good returns from A2 Milk and Pushpay (each up close to 20%) adding to the support from the retirement sector.
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.
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March saw the Coronavirus have a more tangible effect at home, with the move to lockdown in New Zealand taking it from a global event to something with a very clear impact on our day-to-day lives. Meanwhile, share markets around the world continued to be volatile, with the US S&P 500 index staging a dramatic partial 18% recovery in three days towards the end of the month.