The S&P 500 index in the US has increased for four consecutive weeks, rebounding strongly from the weakness in March. That leaves it up 13 per cent from the recent lows, and almost three per cent above its pre-conflict peak. You could be forgiven for wondering why the sharemarket is hitting new records, with oil…

Stagflation has been in the headlines in recent weeks, as the oil price shock threatens to push inflation back up while taking a big chunk out of economic activity at the same time. The term is used to describe the highly undesirable combination of low growth, high unemployment, and high inflation. The Reserve Bank has…

Investing off the farm can play an important role in protecting both the farm and your family’s long-term financial future. Diversifying some wealth beyond the farm can strengthen your overall financial position and help support the farm across generations. Why investing off the farm makes sense Farming sits at the heart of New Zealand’s economy,…

With the war between the US and Iran entering its seventh week, we’re close to an important crossroads for markets. In the last several days we’ve had a ceasefire agreement, the highest-level diplomatic meetings between the two nations since the 1979 Iranian revolution, and US moves to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after talks failed….

If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of surplus cash right now, it’s a difficult time to think about putting it to work. Many dairy farmers will be fortunate enough to be in that position, with the sale of Mainland Group to Lactalis expected to settle within days. The $4.2 billion proceeds from the…

The last month will have been disconcerting for investors, especially those new to financial markets. With the S&P 500 in the US falling for five consecutive weeks, the index is close to ten per cent below its recent highs. Those who entered the fray in late 2025 might be feeling slightly anxious. Some will be…

In our third note on the realities of investing, we turn our attention to one of the biggest challenges investors face – staying invested during periods of uncertainty. While market declines can make it tempting to sell, it’s worth remembering that some of the strongest recovery days often occur close to the worst. Markets move…

No need to panic. That was the clear message from Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor Dr Anna Breman this week. Despite an escalating situation in the Middle East and a rapid rise in oil prices, the RBNZ won’t rush into a knee-jerk response. That matters, because the latest global shock is already starting…

With the election less than eight months away now, investors are increasingly starting to think about what it means for the economy, asset prices and their portfolios. In the months ahead we should expect the campaign to heat up, and financial markets to begin factoring the likely outcomes into prices. Policy announcements will soon be…

The situation in the Middle East is moving very quickly and like any geopolitical event, it’s difficult to anticipate where it’ll go next. US crude oil prices surged 35.6 per cent last week following the first US strikes, which saw them finish at over US$90 a barrel. At the beginning of this week, prices jumped…