Market & Portfolio Update - September 2022

17 October 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update

Market & Portfolio Update - September 2022

September was another volatile month for global financial markets, as central banks reiterated how far they are willing to go to get inflation back to long-term target levels. For example, in the US, this caused interest rates on bonds to rise by around 0.70%, weighing on the returns of bond investments. Share markets were also volatile, as investors came to grips with higher interest rates and slowing economic growth.

While volatility like this can be unnerving for investors, financial markets experience these kinds of events from time to time.

The New Zealand dollar tends to fall during periods when financial markets are volatile, supporting the value of unhedged overseas investments. This is exactly what has happened this time, with the falling New Zealand dollar resulting in unhedged global share investments performing 15% better over the past 12 months than if the foreign currency was hedged or locked in.

preview image - Maximising Rental Cash Flow: Is Fortnightly Better Than Monthly?

Maximising Rental Cash Flow: Is Fortnightly Better Than Monthly?

A common request from property investors is to be paid fortnightly rather than monthly by their property manager. The idea is to make better use of the rental income and have the money working for the investor, rather than sitting in the property manager's bank account.

What is the benefit in dollar terms? Is there a significant gain?

22 July 2026 by Ross Barnett in Property Accounting
preview image - Finding Your Financial Ikigai: The Japanese Art of a Balanced & Purposeful Life

Finding Your Financial Ikigai: The Japanese Art of a Balanced & Purposeful Life

In a world that often measures success in financial terms, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a refreshing perspective. Transcending the boundaries of culture and geography, this philosophy loosely translates as "a reason for being". Ikigai is a convergence of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It's an approach that represents a broader view of prosperity, encompassing joy, purpose, and contentment. As financial advisers, we find this particularly compelling. This article delves deeper into how Ikigai can not only enrich your life but also inform your financial decisions for a more fulfilling journey.

30 June 2026 by Lifetime