Global studies and surveys show that the vast majority of investors don’t know what a fiduciary is, let alone if their adviser is one. Generally what matters to them is whether they trust their adviser. But what is a fiduciary? Simply put, a fiduciary is an individual in whom another has placed the utmost trust … Read more…
Our CIO Aaron Drew has been reviewing Pacific Island Sovereign Wealth Funds as part of his ongoing association with the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research. The project Aaron is leading can be found here: http://www.nzipr.ac.nz/en/research/sovereign-wealth-funds-in-the-pacific.html Sovereign Wealth funds globally now account for a staggering $8.5 trillion New Zealand dollars in assets, around 10 per … Read more…
Morningstar, a global funds research firm, gave New Zealand’s Funds Management industry a dreadful D- rating back in 2008. Poor regulatory oversight, high fees, lack of transparency, and systemic conflicts of interest between sales and advice were among the problems it highlighted. In its most recent 2015 update, New Zealand was rewarded a solid C+. … Read more…
In 2015, the Berkshire CEO’s commanding lead in a 10 year market wager was cut o-so-slightly. Results are in for 2015, the eighth year of the 10 year Million Dollar Bet, and for once – but don’t get too excited – there’s something mildly positive to say about the hedge fund side. Recall the bet … Read more…
We humans tend to prefer avoiding losses than securing gains. That’s why volatile financial markets make us feel so anxious. Helping us to find a balance amid these natural emotions is the mark of a good adviser. To understand the value of good advice, it helps to reflect on the cost of bad advice. Recently, … Read more…
In a previous article (Hawke’s Bay Today, March 29), I discussed that the region is likely experiencing much stronger population growth than is assumed in long-term council planning and that, while this is a great “vote of confidence” for the region, it does raise housing and infrastructure challenges that must be managed if the Bay … Read more…
In early May local newspaper, Hawkes Bay Today, ran an article called ‘Top Insurance Companies Merge’. The article was sharing the fact that Stewart Group has joined national insurance broking , Plus4 Insurance Solutions. As is the case with media, we have no control over how an article is written and what titles are used. … Read more…
It’s not easy being a little fish in the world of investing. The sharks are always circling. Part two of this beginner’s guide to the sharemarket is all about how to find safety in numbers. Last week, we talked about how companies are broken into small slices that anyone can buy. For example, shares in … Read more…
Investment guru David Booth visited New Zealand to talk about his mission to change people’s lives through investments. When a billionaire gives you investment advice, you listen. When it’s backed by the research of several Nobel-prize winning economists, you really pay attention. David Booth is co-founder and chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors, which manages almost … Read more…
Retirement – the older generation love the idea, having worked most of their life and being able to slow down a bit, but for most of the younger generation it isn’t important as there’s plenty of time to save.Nine years ago the Government voluntary based savings scheme initiative, KiwiSaver, was introduced to help New Zealanders … Read more…