Market & Portfolio Update - November 2020
Global markets performed very strongly during November. The first catalyst markets liked was the result of the US election. Although we haven’t seen the ‘blue wave’ result the polls were suggesting, it is looking like the US presidency and Senate will be divided. A divided government means it is less likely there will be significant change to regulations, giving more certainty to companies and investors.
The second major catalyst was the positive news from the phase three trials for Covid-19 vaccines. Banks, energy, and travel stocks all performed strongly as a result. The Australian share market in particular, performed well on this news. The Australian market has a larger allocation to these sectors than other global markets, resulting in it being up almost 10% in local currency terms.
Booster have recently increased the holdings in Australian companies that operate in the sectors that are likely to benefit the most from the global economy reopening and reduced the holdings in more defensive style companies. Although it is still likely it will take some time to get back to pre-Covid normality, investment markets tend to look forward so some are positioning funds in expectation of this.
Lifetime Book Club: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
“The goal is not to die with the most money, but to live the richest life.”
That is the central idea of Die With Zero. From the start, Perkins makes it clear this is not a book about saving, investing, or retiring early. It is about using money, time, and health to create a meaningful life now, not someday.
The Rise of Ethical Investing
Ethical investment, also known as Socially Responsible or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investment, is about putting your money where your values are. These investments allow you to support companies and industries that aim to make a positive impact, whether that’s reducing carbon emissions, promoting fair treatment of workers, or driving social change.