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…

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…

Three US stocks are now as big as four entire sectors. That’s not hyperbole, it’s the reality of today’s market. NVIDIA, Microsoft and Apple together make up more than one-fifth of the S&P 500. To put that in perspective, it’s more than the combined size of the four traditional defensive sectors of the market –…

World shares have hit fresh record highs in recent days, defying forecasts for a pullback and looking much stronger than many predicted a few months ago. The MSCI All Country World Index ended last week up 13.2 per cent in 2025, and more than 40 per cent higher than two years ago. I should note…

The local reporting season is heating up, and we’re all hopeful it’ll suggest the long-awaited economic recovery is in sight. It’s been a very challenging three years for many businesses. The economy contracted for eight consecutive quarters (on a per capita basis) until late last year, and since then it’s been a mediocre recovery. If…

This year, the focus of Money Month is on emergency funds. Whether you’re aiming to have 3 – 6 months of savings set aside for unforeseen expenses or prefer the security of 12–18 months, one thing remains constant; these funds should be kept in liquid, low-risk investments. Cash or short-term term deposits are ideal. The…

New Zealand’s inflation rate picked up in the June quarter, with the headline consumer price index (CPI) rising at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent. That’s the highest in a year, and it was slightly above Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) forecasts. The RBNZ won’t be too bothered by this, as it would’ve…

Produced in association with our strategic partner J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The outlook for the US economy depends on how President Trump’s policy agenda plays out. Tariffs, taxes and interest rates will be closely watched by all. A big policy shock The tariffs announced by President Trump on “Liberation Day” sent financial markets into a…

Should I pay off the mortgage faster, or use that extra cash to invest? This is always a common question, and it’s especially relevant today. While mortgage rates are way down from the highs of 2023, borrowing costs are still above the average of the past 15 years. If you prefer to listen to a…

The country has dragged itself out of recession and mortgage rates have been falling for 18 months. However, against conventional wisdom the long-awaited housing market recovery still hasn’t arrived. Sales volumes have been on the up, with the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reporting a 20.3 per cent increase in the number of…