Market & Portfolio Update – September 2019
Market & Portfolio Update – September 2019
September was a positive month for most share markets across the world, bouncing back from some softness in August. Markets were supported by the Federal Reserve in the US reducing their cash rate for the second time this year. The Fed is looking to provide some support for their economy with growth slowing recently.
The NZ dollar continued to decline following the 0.50% OCR reduction last month, which will please the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The lower NZ dollar supports NZ exporters and the returns of unhedged overseas investments.
Despite bond yields offsetting part of their recent decline in September, a 0.3% net fall in US 10-year yields over the quarter and a 0.5% fall in NZ has meant that fixed interest securities have performed well.
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.
The Summer Reset
Summer has a way of easing the pressure. The days feel longer, the calendar softens, and life slows just enough to remind us that not everything needs to be urgent, solved, or optimised right now. It’s a subtle shift, but a powerful one. And it’s what we like to think of as the summer reset.
Lifetime Book Club: Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
“The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend their lives doing what they love, with purpose.”
That is the central idea of Ikigai.
This is not a hustle manual or a step-by-step guide to success. It is a gentle, thoughtful exploration of what gives life meaning, and how small, intentional choices can lead to a longer, happier, more fulfilled life.