Market & Portfolio Update - October 2020

13 November 2020 by Lifetime in Investments, Market Update

Market & Portfolio Update - October 2020

New Zealand shares were up over October with electricity generators bouncing back after the Government suggested more support around the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter, which consumes 30% of electricity in NZ.

Australian shares were down a touch over the month as tensions with China escalated further which has been an ongoing back and forth between the two countries over the past three years.

Global bonds were down (yields rose) through October as calls for more fiscal stimulus gained traction putting upward pressure on yields with the prospect of more government bond supply to come. We remain a little cautious on the outlook for rising interest rates, and have recently increased our allocation to inflation linked bonds to provide a degree of protection against a potential rise in inflation as economic growth gradually picks up.

preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - February 2024

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2024

Markets have started 2024 on the front foot, with global shares up almost 10% in New Zealand dollar terms. The theme of AI integration and its impact on companies continues to play an important role, with technology businesses leading the market.

12 March 2024 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - A Safety Net in the Sun: Health Insurance's Vital Role in Melanoma Treatment

A Safety Net in the Sun: Health Insurance's Vital Role in Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, presents a significant health concern in New Zealand, with the country ranking second globally in skin cancer diagnosis rates, closely following Australia. The high incidence of skin cancer in New Zealand can be attributed to several factors, including elevated UV levels compared to equivalent latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, with a 40% increase in UV radiation during the summer months due to the sun's elliptical orbit[1]. Despite efforts to raise awareness about sun protection measures, the fatality rate for diagnosed cases in New Zealand is notably higher than that of neighbouring countries.

27 February 2024 by Emily Wheatley in Insurance