News & Articles: Market Update

Stay up to date with the latest news and happenings with the Lifetime blog. A library of thought-provoking articles to inform and enlighten on all things loans, insurance, investments and planning. 

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 - Market & Portfolio Update - November 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - November 2023

Global share markets had a strong month, up 8% in local currency terms in November. A combination of factors such as declining long-term bond rates, a lower-than-expected US inflation report, and resilient company earnings, particularly in the Information Technology sector, contributed to this performance.

15 December 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - October 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - October 2023

Global share markets declined 2.6% in local currency terms in October, as they were impacted by rising long-term bond yields. However, the NZ dollar also weakened by a similar amount, providing a significant offset for NZ-based investors.

14 November 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - September 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - September 2023

Global share markets gave back some of their gains in September, declining 3.7% in local currency terms, but they remain up 12.1% year-to-date.

17 October 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - August 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - August 2023

Global share markets gave back some of their gains in August, declining 1.8% in local currency terms, but with the NZ dollar weakening against most major currencies, returns were positive for NZ-based investors.

12 September 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - July 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - July 2023

Most global share markets were positive in July, spurred higher by the energy and financial sectors, which makes for a change from the first half of the year where technology companies drove markets.

24 August 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - June 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - June 2023

Global share markets had another strong month in June, rising 3.7% in New Zealand dollar terms. Investors were encouraged by a sharp drop in year-on-year inflation in the US of 4.0% - still above target but substantially lower than the 9.1% recorded in June 2022.

20 July 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - May 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2023

May saw global share markets deliver a flat return in local currency terms. Worries over the US debt ceiling made headlines; however, a deal between Republicans and Democrats was reached shortly after month-end, and the crisis was averted.

 

28 June 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - April 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - April 2023

Global share markets had another positive month in April, rising 1.6% in local currency terms, as investors were encouraged by the latest round of company financial results. Of the companies that have reported to date, the majority have exceeded earnings expectations, with particular strength seen in large tech names such as Alphabet and Meta.

30 May 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - February 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2023

After a strong rally to start the year, global share markets gave back some of their gains in February. Surprisingly strong economic data led investors to expect higher interest rates which weighed on equity valuations. The strength of the US labour market was particularly surprising, as the unemployment rate fell to a 53-year low of 3.4%.

 

16 March 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - January 2023

Market & Portfolio Update - January 2023

Global share markets got off to a strong start to the year, rising 6.5% in local currency terms. Investors were encouraged by a sixth consecutive monthly fall in US year-on-year inflation in December. At 6.5%, US inflation is still above target but is down meaningfully from its peak of 9.1% in June.

28 February 2023 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - November 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - November 2022

Global share markets had another strong month in November, rising 5.6% in local currency terms. Investors were encouraged by lower than expected year-on-year inflation in the US of 7.7%, down from 8.2% in the prior month.

15 December 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - October 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - October 2022

October provided a much needed reprieve for global share markets, rising 7.2% (in local currency terms). The month saw a number of companies report their latest earnings numbers, which at a broad level, were better than expected.

14 November 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - September 2022

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.

17 October 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - August 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - August 2022

Central bankers from around the world met during August at the annual ‘Jackson Hole Symposium’ in the USA. Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), play an important role in guiding the various economies around the world as they battle inflation, so this event was an opportunity to discuss the challenges they’re facing and reiterate their commitment to getting inflation back under control. This came only one week after the RBNZ updated its own monetary policy, raising the OCR from 2.50% to 3.00%.

15 September 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - July 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - July 2022

Prices of goods and services have continued to rise, with inflation numbers exceeding expectations around the world. In New Zealand we hit a 30-year high of 7.3%. Since this was released there has been a drop in a wide range of commodity prices, including oil, which has given hope to investors that we may be past the peak of inflation.

 

23 August 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - May 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2022

Volatility in global share markets continued in May as investors focused on inflation and rising interest rates. Despite the volatility, global share markets rebounded to end the month flat, with the energy sector leading the way (up 13.5%). The energy sector includes oil producers which benefitted from oil prices rising to $123/barrel. The European Union agreed to a partial ban on Russian oil. The ban is expected to cover 90% of Europe’s Russian oil imports by the end of this year.

17 June 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - April 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - April 2022

Global share markets continued their choppy start to 2022 during April. For New Zealand-based investors, a fall in the NZ dollar played an important role in helping offset the volatility global share markets experienced. The NZ dollar fell against most major currencies supporting the returns of unhedged overseas assets (assets that are free to move with exchange rates). As a result, ‘unhedged’ overseas investments fell by only 1.8% for NZ based investors.

9 May 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - March 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - March 2022

Global share markets gained 3% following strong economic data releases, investors understanding the economic implications of the Russian invasion better, and more clarity around the Federal Reserve’s hiking path over the remainder of 2022. The New Zealand share market gained as well, however, the Australian market was the strongest performer returning over 6% for the month.

26 April 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - February 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2022

Global share markets fell modestly in February (3%), with uncertainty regarding Ukraine tensions weighing on the market in the lead up to the invasion. While New Zealand and Australian share markets posted positive returns, being further from the conflict and experiencing the latest financial reporting season.

16 March 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - January 2022

Market & Portfolio Update - January 2022

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures show high inflation in major economies across the globe. They reached 7% in the US for 2021, the highest since 1982, they reached 5.9% in NZ, the highest since 1990, and they reached 5.4% in the UK, the highest since 1992.

1 February 2022 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - November 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - November 2021

News of the new Omicron variant broke late in the month, resulting in modest volatility in global share markets. Markets don’t tend to like uncertainty, and it is still early in terms of understanding the Omicron variant. Much more data is required, but initial suggestions are that it is more transmissible but potentially less severe than the Delta variant. Vaccine makers are also optimistic that existing vaccines will provide some protection, and Omicron specific vaccines can be developed reasonably quickly if required.

10 December 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - October 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - October 2021

Global share markets rebounded and had their best month of the year – up 5.5% on average. A mix of positive economic data and company announcements continued to give investors confidence in the current cycle.

15 November 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - September 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - September 2021

Global share markets experienced some volatility during the month, falling modestly for the first time since January. This was in part due to expectations of rising global interest rates over the coming months.

15 October 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - August 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - August 2021

Global share markets were up over 3% in local currency terms for the month, but with the NZ dollar strengthening against most major currencies, this performance was slightly offset for NZ based investors.

10 September 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - July 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - July 2021

Global share markets had another good month, with the US market performing well. July saw many US companies report their latest financial results, with around 85% of companies beating the market’s expectations.

6 August 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - June 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - June 2021

Returns on overseas investments were supported by the New Zealand dollar falling against most major currencies during the month. 

9 July 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - May 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2021

Global share markets moved slightly higher during the month, driven by continued job growth in the United States, and business sentiment surveys remaining elevated.

9 June 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - April 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - April 2021

Global share markets continued their march higher during April, rising 4% in local currency terms. Economic data has brushed off the horrid Covid situation in India and continues to surprise to the upside. Labour markets are rebounding quickly compared to other cycles and business confidence surveys sit comfortably in expansionary mode.

7 May 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - March 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - March 2021

The March market update reflects a theme of ongoing strength in global sharemarkets, but weakness in assets whose value is mainly driven by changes in long-term interest rates.

5 April 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - February 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2021

World share markets rose a little further during February, continuing the gains they have seen as confidence in a gradual ‘re-opening’ grows. The vaccine roll-out was one of the contributing factors. At the end of February, around 3% of the world’s population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Israel is leading the way with 92% of their population inoculated and the initial results are promising.

11 March 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - January 2021

Market & Portfolio Update - January 2021

January continued the eventfulness of 2020 with the US presidency and Senate elections being finalised, continued social unrest in the US, new strains of Covid-19 and the roll-out of vaccines around the world. The result for share markets was a slight easing in performance for the month. Arguably, a much-needed breather after strong returns in the second half of 2020.

9 February 2021 by Lifetime in Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - November 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - November 2020

Global markets performed very strongly during November. The first catalyst markets liked was the result of the US election. Although we haven’t seen the ‘blue wave’ result the polls were suggesting, it is looking like the US presidency and Senate will be divided.

15 December 2020 by Lifetime in Market Update, International Markets, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - October 2020

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.

13 November 2020 by Lifetime in Investments, Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - August 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - August 2020

Global share markets rose nearly 5% in August as investors continue to digest news about ongoing vaccine developments and look for returns in a low interest rate environment.

 

10 September 2020 by Lifetime in Investments, Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - July 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - July 2020

Global share markets continued to rise following the volatility we saw during March, up a further 3% in July.

24 August 2020 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - June 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - June 2020

Although remaining choppy, global share markets have continued to bounce back from the March COVID-19 sell-off.  Investors have continued to focus on the re-opening of economies and the amount of stimulus that governments and central banks have been providing.

15 July 2020 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - May 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2020

Share markets across the world continued to recover solidly during May, looking ahead to a gradual loosening of restrictions, and have now recovered much of the March sell-off.

5 June 2020 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - March 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - March 2020

March saw the Coronavirus have a more tangible effect at home, with the move to lockdown in New Zealand taking it from a global event to something with a very clear impact on our day-to-day lives. Meanwhile, share markets around the world continued to be volatile, with the US S&P 500 index staging a dramatic partial 18% recovery in three days towards the end of the month.

30 April 2020 by Lifetime in Investments, Market Update
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - January 2020

Market & Portfolio Update - January 2020

The first month of 2020 saw volatility return to global markets, first with the attack by the US on Iran, followed by the recent health scare of the coronavirus. While global markets predominantly ended where they started in local terms, a falling NZ dollar, increased the value of unhedged overseas assets for NZ investors.

18 February 2020 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update – November 2019

Market & Portfolio Update – November 2019

The month of November saw positive results from global share markets, as the United States and China look set to make progress on resolving some of their trade disputes after the last 18 months. Additionally, business confidence improved in both countries, suggesting improvement in the global economy.

10 December 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update – October 2019

Market & Portfolio Update – October 2019

October provided only modest changes in value for most diversified portfolios. While portfolios gained from allocations to global shares, lower returns on local shares and fixed interest investments kept performance relatively static after solid gains in the year so far.

14 November 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - 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.

9 October 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update – August 2019

Market & Portfolio Update – August 2019

After good gains so far this year, diversified portfolios produced a relatively flat return for August, but looking below the surface there was a bit more going on.

19 September 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update – July 2019

Market & Portfolio Update – July 2019

Portfolio returns were solid again in July, led by global share markets rising 3%.

31 August 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - June 2019

Market & Portfolio Update - June 2019

Global share markets had a strong positive performance in June, rebounding from May’s weakness, but in a somewhat volatile fashion.

10 July 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - May 2019

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2019

Most portfolios gave back a small portion of this year’s strong gains during May

4 June 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - April 2019

Market & Portfolio Update - April 2019

April saw global share markets continue the strong performance that we have seen so far this year.

8 May 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - March 2019

Market & Portfolio Update - March 2019

Global share markets had another positive month and have had one of the fastest starts to the year since the 1990’s

12 April 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019

Global share markets continued to rebound in February and have now recovered almost all of the decline we saw in the last three months of 2018.

7 March 2019 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - November 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - November 2018

Global share markets rose slightly in November (up 1%), although returns for NZ investors were offset by a 5% rise in the New Zealand Dollar.

10 December 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - 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%.

1 November 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - September 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - September 2018

Share markets rose further in September, shrugging off the unresolved NZ election and war of words between the United States and North Korea.

15 October 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - August 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - August 2018

August was a relatively quiet month for share markets, but with currency movements boosting fund returns.

14 September 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - July 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - July 2018

Share markets again rose moderately for the month, which saw investment fund returns resume their gradual upward path.

20 August 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - June 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - June 2018

June was a fairly quiet month for world share markets, with most investment funds relatively flat – although this capped off a solid overall first half of the year.

25 July 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - May 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - May 2018

Global share markets added another 1% in May, amidst a background of solid economic growth spiced up with news of political instability in Italy.

7 June 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments
preview image - Market & Portfolio Update - February 2018

Market & Portfolio Update - February 2018

Share markets regained ground as February progressed, recovering most of the declines from the start of the month.

28 March 2018 by Lifetime in Market Update, Investments