Market & Portfolio Update - November 2024

10 December 2024 by Lifetime in Market Update

Market & Portfolio Update - November 2024

The Global equity market had a strong month, up +3.8%, driven by the US. Trump won the US election early in the month, which bolstered investor optimism surrounding potential corporate tax cuts. Furthermore, expectations for de-regulation boosted the US financials and energy sector, while the industrial sector was seen as one of the main beneficiaries of tax cuts and trade policy.

Central banks globally continued to lower rates during November. England and the US central banks both lowered their respective rates by 0.25% in response to falling inflation.

Moving closer to home - the Reserve Bank of New Zealand continued their interest-rate cutting cycle, reducing the Official Cash Rate from 4.75% to 4.25%, marking the second 0.50% cut in a row. The Reserve Bank noted households and businesses have not been spending as much as usual, however, lower interest rates should encourage households and businesses to spend more, supporting economic growth. The NZ share market didn’t move much in reaction to the cut, as it was widely expected by the market. Nonetheless, the NZ share market index returned a healthy +3.4% in November, bringing the year-to-date return to +11.8%.

preview image - Lifetime Book Club: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

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.

15 July 2025 by Lifetime
preview image - The Rise of Ethical Investing

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. 

15 July 2025 by Andrew Dobson