Market & Portfolio Update - October 2018
Market & Portfolio Update - October 2018
Share markets continued their 2017 ascension during October, with a moderate 3% gain boosted further by the New Zealand Dollar falling 5%. For New Zealand investors, the fall in our local currency reinforces the diversification benefits of holding foreign investments, which rise in value when the currency falls.
While exchange rate changes have featured this month, the real story driving markets is global economic growth continuing to expand all around the world. This is one of the pillars supporting global share markets’ good performance since the start of the year.
With many investors globally remaining arguably too cautious about the current economic expansion, we have, in the vein of Warren Buffett, slightly increased funds’ global share investments during the month of October.
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.
This week the Government announced a suite of new policy with the intent to assist first home buyers into the market. This included tax changes for investors, bright-line extensions and increases to the cap on First Home Loans and First Home Grants.
The Fixed Interest investments (or bonds) in portfolios typically perform well during market stress, as investors favour low-risk assets that generate income. Last year was no exception.