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.
New Zealand’s gender pay gap is unlikely to be going anywhere anytime soon and the impact of earning less over a lifetime has an enormous effect on a woman’s immediate and future financial security. This is compounded by a lower level of workplace participation, a tendency to seek part-time casual work and bear the bulk of caring responsibilities for children and other family members. So how can women bridge the gap? Here are some tips on how to build wealth and make positive steps towards pay equity and financial independence despite and in spite of the hurdles women face.
Lifetime continues its growth strategy to build a long-term sustainable financial advice business to serve New Zealanders with the joining of One50 Group. The deal adds accounting and property accounting partnerships, general insurance and business advisory services to the Lifetime advice suite.