INSIGHTS

In our podcast this week, Mark Lister, Investment Director, discusses how the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank roiled markets and the risk of contagion has reverberated through other parts of the global banking sector. We also saw evidence of cooling US inflation and a weaker than expected GDP report here in New Zealand. Looking ahead, the US Federal Reserve has a tough call to make this week as it decides whether to increase interest rates further against a backdrop of such volatility.

The new financial advice regime takes full effect this month. In short, the bar has been raised, and the regulatory environment strengthened, which should drive higher standards across the industry and ultimately mean the investing public is better served. But what makes a good adviser anyway, and what role can they play in helping us achieve our goals?

In our podcast this week, Mark Lister, Investment Director, discusses how it was a rough week for global markets, with some strong words from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and then the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (a lender to tech start-ups in the US) denting sentiment. We discuss what this means for the outlook, and look ahead to the latest US inflation figures and the New Zealand GDP report in the days ahead.

Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s investment company, released its latest earnings result last month. At the same time, the 92-year-old “Oracle of Omaha” published his annual letter to shareholders. These are always highly anticipated, and after six decades, they still provide interesting economic anecdotes and pearls of wisdom for investors. One struck a chord with us this year, as it highlighted that focusing on dividend growth is a key principle of share investing.

As part of our 'On the couch' series, Mark Lister, Investment Director and Mohandeep Singh, Senior Research Analyst discuss some of the winners and losers from the reporting season, recap the Ryman Healthcare rights issue, and talk about the impact recent weather events will have on some of our listed companies. They also answer a few viewer questions on interest rates, house prices, and how to provide this investment backdrop.

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we talk to several women across the Craigs business and ask the question: What is the best advice you received, which enabled your career to thrive and/or your achievements to be celebrated?