The saga of wobbly banks continues with the private-sector bailout of First Republic, which had lost another third of its already depressed value as at 17 March.
Silicon Valley Bank: Why NZ Investors need not panic
Fifteen years is not long enough for most of us to have forgotten the pain of the GFC. However, while undoubtedly unnerving for investors, this is not shaping up to be GFC 2.0 as matters stand.
7 Lessons on Volatility
Everyone is an expert after the fact. Predicting the future is nigh impossible, but it’s quite easy to look back and say “we saw that coming” when making a call on either the behaviour of markets, or economic factors.
To Catch a Falling Knife
Financial markets are one of those things that move fast and slow at the same time. Not much happens in the short-term, yet so much happens over longer periods of time. We get so caught up in and sweat the small stuff that we miss the forest for the trees.
Navigating Geopolitical Events
Recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine is an important reminder that geopolitical risk is a part of investing.
We Had Better Have a Plan – Corrections, Risk and Tolerance
With the corrections occurring in the market and the markets doing what they have always done efficiently… It’s time to stop, breathe deep with both feet firmly on the ground, and reassure ourselves of the why and what is of our financial position and plan.
All Roads Lead to Rome
No matter the vehicle was chosen to navigate, once a company enters the public marketplace, it becomes subject to the same interactions between the supply and demand for securities that shape equity prices each day.
Good and getting better
Why would the couple in their 50’s have such a different outlook to the man in his 30’s? It’s hard to be a successful investor unless you’re an optimist. Firstly, if everyone does well, you’re likely to do better as an investor.
Recognising the Social Purpose of Investing
Climate change is all over the news. Today more than ever, many of us are making small changes to our lifestyle. From recycling to going vegan or using the car less often, we are changing our ways to reduce harm to the planet. As an island country reliant on primary production and tourism for much of its economic wealth, New Zealand is particularly vulnerable to the economic and environmental impacts of climate change.
GameStop Hangover
GameStop. Hedge Funds. Wall Street Bets. Robinhood. What was it all? In the last week of January, the price of the stock in GameStop (NYSE: GME) – an ailing brick-and-mortar video game retailer – very suddenly skyrocketed.
The Value Dilemma
Every investor will face a conundrum at some point: what to do when their beliefs don't work. Sometimes it's an assumption that becomes lore. A favoured company paid a dividend for 20 straight years. Of course, it's not going to ever stop paying a dividend… then it stops paying a dividend. A dagger to the heart! An outrage, there were plans for that money!
Beyond 2020 and Elections
On the night of October 17, 2020, I like five million other Kiwis, watched the general election results roll in. Based on pre-election polls there was little doubt that Labour would form the government again. the New Zealand markets were unrattled by the result and looked pretty steady with investors relaxed after the Labour Party secured a historic majority in the general election.
Investing in fashionable technologies
Ever stopped to wonder why you’re using a particular new word or phrase? Or maybe you’re sitting in the back of some strange person’s Toyota, they’re driving you to some strange person’s house where you’re staying the night in their guest bedroom. How did that happen?
A second-wave wobble | COVID-19 special focus
By now, most people are aware that our world – especially the situation with COVID-19 pandemic – is changing and developing lightning fast. A mystery COVID-19 outbreak in Auckland on 11 August has forced the government to postpone the dissolution of parliament as the country’s alert levels changed at noon on 12 August.
Vices and virtues | Covid-19 Special Focus
I often hear stories about how people mistake their knowledge, expertise or success in one area for giving them some insight into investing or investment markets. No one should ever make the mistake of believing their brilliance in one area will equal brilliance elsewhere.
The cost of short-sighted investing | COVID-19 Special Focus
If you are frequently checking the portfolio balance, then you may see a rise in your anxiety and stress levels. Behavioural finance studies confirm that investors tend to be more cautious when they check portfolios regularly, with adverse long-term consequences for their investing goals.
Slashed dividends | Covid-19 Special Focus
Dividend stocks are a staple of every income investor, and they can play an important role in any portfolio, regardless of age and financial circumstances. But it is very much possible that dividend investors can fall into the trap of hindsight bias if they are not careful and sufficiently diversified.
Forward-looking | Covid-19 Special Focus
Do you find it confusing when a bleak economic report emerges from the press, only to be accompanied by a positive surge in the global share market? You're not alone. The last few months have produced many examples of a stark contrast between global market performance and economic indicators.
Investing FOMO | Covid-19 Special Focus
Investing FOMO is when you watch a share price soar to new highs, and you realise you missed out on the opportunity. You might spend the next hours, days, weeks thinking about what could have been the returns. This type of self-talk and do-it-yourself financial planning is damaging to your mental health and retirement goals.
Don't miss the next Super Moon | Covid-19 Special Focus
The largest, brightest Super Moon of 2020 rose in the night sky on 7 April over hushed cities, stilled factories and countries in lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak that has affected close to two million people so far.
