Investing in markets means volatility. When done well, you are getting paid for taking on risk. So why is it that sharp drops in the market have such a visceral impact on us? We only have to go back to early February, when markets dropped...
Australia As anticipated, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left domestic interest rates on hold a 1.50%. Official borrowing costs have been at this level since August 2016 – the longest period that Australian interest rates have remained unchanged. CPI data confirmed that inflation ran...
Key Points: Geopolitical issues generate much interest as dinner party conversations but don’t necessarily have a significant impact on markets, apart from a bit of noise. But given a backlash against economic rationalist policies, the falling relative power of the US & the ability of...
The recent share pullback has seen much coverage and generated much concern. This is understandable given the rapid falls in share markets seen on some days. Considerations for investors Sharp market falls with talk of billions of dollars being wiped off shares are stressful for investors as...
Australia Employment continued to rise in December, with a further 34,700 jobs being created. In 2017 as a whole, more than 400,000 new jobs were created in Australia, providing a significant boost to the economy. Consumer confidence has risen to its highest level in more...
Key points: The US share market is long overdue a decent correction. This now appears to be unfolding and may have further to go as higher inflation, a slightly more aggressive Fed and higher bond yields are factored in. This will impact most share markets...
Still in the “sweet spot,” but expect more volatility ahead. Key points: Despite the usual worry list, 2017 has been pretty good for investors as global growth and profits accelerated and central banks stayed benign as inflation stayed low. The “sweet spot” combination of solid global...
Australia CPI data for the September quarter showed prices rising 1.8% from a year ago. This was below expectations of a 2.0% increase. Recent increases in utility prices had a more modest impact on the inflation data than anticipated. Housing and transport costs also continue...
Leave Campaign wins the Referendum It's now 12 months since the British voted to leave the European Union, an event that some saw as setting off a domino effect of other European countries looking to do the same. This was also followed by a messy election...
Australia The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board met on 4 April and as widely expected, left the official cash rate on hold at 1.5%. At the time of writing the RBA also left the official cash rate on hold at its 2 May 2017...
