Gold continues to be a topic of conversation across financial markets, with the precious metal rising almost 40 per cent so far in 2025 and hitting fresh record highs. It’s doubled in value the last three years and even outpaced the mighty S&P 500 index in the US. That’s no small feat, with the US…

Craigs Investment Partners (Craigs) and Hawke’s Bay wealth management firm Somerset Smith Partners (Somerset Smith) have entered into an unconditional agreement for Craigs to acquire the longstanding Hawke’s Bay investment advisory firm. The agreement brings together close to a century of trusted financial stewardship from Somerset Smith, with the depth and scale of Craigs’ expertise,…

Typically, when I write about making the most of compounding, I talk about the power of compounding for someone starting at a young age. But what if you didn’t start young? What if you’re only now looking at investing at age 50, 55, or even 60? Is it too late to begin? The simple answer…

The Federal Reserve will be the clear highlight this week, with markets expecting a resumption of the easing cycle that has been on hold all year. Here in New Zealand, the key release will be the GDP report for the June quarter. Subscribe or follow for the latest insights, first

In support of Community Foundations of New Zealand Wills Month we partnered with Dentons to explain the importance of having a will. As lawyers involved in preserving and enhancing family wealth we regularly meet with clients to discuss their objectives and risks. It is surprising how often we realise that a client does not have…

There’s hope emerging that our economy is turning a corner. Is that possible with so much bad news still around? As always, whether your glass is half-full or half-empty depends on where you’re looking and what you’re paying most attention to. If you prefer to listen to a podcast episode on this topic:  It’s also…

France will be in the spotlight early in the week, with a confidence vote being held on Monday in the National Assembly. The key event of the economic calendar will be the US CPI report for August, due Thursday, ahead of the Federal Reserve decision next week. The central banking highlight will be the ECB…

New Zealand‘s long awaited economic recovery has been delayed, rather than cancelled. A more prosperous period is likely ahead, although we do need to exercise some patience. The Reserve Bank not only cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) last month, but it slashed its forecasts for where it goes from here. If you prefer to…

It’s a holiday-shortened week in the US with markets closed for Labor Day on Monday, although the economy will be in focus this week with the August jobs report, ISM indices and the Fed’s Beige Book all due for release. We’ll also be watching for any political fallout after President Trump’s tariffs were ruled illegal…

You’ve worked hard, invested wisely and taken a few calculated risks. Having done well for yourself, you want to give something back to your community. For those who want to use their will to do good in a strategic and long-lasting way, the Community Foundation model is worth a look. Community Foundations are local, independent…