INSIGHTS

In our podcast this week Mark Lister, Head of Private Wealth Research discusses how it's been a difficult first six months of the year, signs of improvement in China, another interest rate hike likely across the Tasman and in New Zealand, the QSBO survey and latest dairy auction will be closely watched.

When it comes to our attitude to debt, there are two distinct schools of thought in New Zealand. We have the younger people, who are quite comfortable borrowing a lot, and the slightly older generation, who are much more conservative. Both groups have been shaped by their experiences.

In our podcast this week Mark Lister, Head of Private Wealth Research discusses how Global sharemarkets rebound as oil prices fall back and interest rate decline slightly, some good news for farmers, as Fonterra ups its 2022/23 milk payout forecast and another important US inflation report to keep an eye on this week, while here in New Zealand the ANZ Business Outlook survey will take the pulse of the corporate sector.

I won’t go as far as suggesting a recession is inevitable, but let’s just say it’s going to be difficult to avoid. Here in New Zealand, March quarter gross domestic product was weaker than expected, with the economy contracting 0.2 per cent. That puts us at risk of entering a "technical recession", which is generally thought of as two consecutive quarters where the economy goes backwards.

In our podcast this week Mark Lister, Head of Private Wealth Research discusses how it was a rough week for investors with the US and NZ markets falling into 'bear market' territory, central banks were in focus with interest rate hikes in the US, UK and Switzerland, the GDP figures were out and softer than expected and the latest housing market report provided further evidence of a weakening property market.

With a few cracks appearing in the global economy, we might soon find out just how far central banks are willing to go to knock inflation on the head. Jerome Powell, Chair of the US Federal Reserve, is in a particularly difficult position.

It's official. We're in a bear market, which is generally considered to be a more than 20 per cent fall from a recent peak.

Every share investor will have their own checklist for what they believe makes a good investment. Few companies tick every box, so judgement and common sense are always required. However, there are a few things we suggest looking out for.

Recent statistics show that 62% of women don't feel prepared for retirement and 60% of women rate their investment literacy as low.