This geo-political crisis has certainly had economists and politicians running the ruler over sectors dominated by both Russia and Ukraine – such as Russia’s global dominance of the diamond mining production at over 50%, and Ukraine and Russia’s collective 26% of global wheat exports.
Be wary of Finfluencers
Rob Everett, CEO of Financial Markets Authority (FMA), says: In New Zealand, many people now offer their thoughts and perspectives on financial matters, and some have built strong followings on social media. But sometimes talking about money or investing can cross over into providing financial advice.
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.
Bonus Bonds: One birde in the hande is better
Questions are coming in; folks are weighing up their options and wanting to know what is the best investment vehicle out there to put their Bonus Bonds money in as the ANZ's 50-year-old scheme will be wound up with money returned to bondholders.
Bonus Bonds: Last stop for the gravy train
Okay, this one created quite a stir in financial circles. ANZ Investment Services (New Zealand) decided to stop Bonus Bonds and wind up the investment scheme by the end of October and return funds to bondholders. Here is a thought for those who feel disheartened.
Budget from the dark side of the moon | Covid-19 special focus
Budget 2020 is unveiled under the most challenging economic conditions since 1984 and with expectations from the whole nation that it will cushion the economy from the fallout from COVID-19, the stakes are surely high. This budget is seen as the voyager for our journey around the dark side of the moon.
NZ Herald: Unemployment set to soar in Hawke's Bay, but 'resilient' economy will help rebound
While industries such as tourism and hospitality will be worst hit by the pandemic, Hawke's Bay's main economic industries are still able to continue in some form or another in a strong capacity in the near to long future.
Pandemics versus market performance | Covid-19 Special Focus
Memories of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Avian Flu and the Ebola outbreaks are being rekindled with the spread of coronavirus and global stock markets are reacting. Let us see how two global equity markets; the S&P 500 and the UK equity market performed around these three significant outbreaks.
… as Aussie dealer group head issues repeat warning on FSLAB
“Quite a lot of (FSLAB) is similar to what we experienced across the ditch,” Mancell told a group of NZ advisers last week. “You should be cautious about the legislation coming your way.”
Which hat are you wearing?
Most of us have multiple roles — as business owners, professionals, workers, consumers, citizens, students, parents, and investors. So, our views of the world can differ according to whatever hat we're wearing at any one time.
KiwiSaver Vs. Volatility
Early in February after a long period of relative calm, the world found out that markets do contain a level of volatility they move up and DOWN and sometimes they can move quite quickly. What does this all mean to your average KiwiSaver investor… not much.
FAANG and the catchphrase investing
The financial media is drawn to catchphrases, acronyms, and buzzwords that can be sold as the new thing. FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) is the latest of these. But does this constitute an investment strategy?
Don Brash joins Stewart Group as advisory board member
Former Act Party leader and former Minister of Finance Don Brash have been appointed as Stewart Group's advisory board member. Dr. Brash’s appointment expands the board to three, with two existing board members, Peter Mancell and Milton Jennings.
Advisory firms law changes look like Aussie model
Smaller advice firms in New Zealand could find the new legislative regime is harder to deal with than they expect if the Australian experience is anything to go by. The Financial Markets Authority has indicated that it will allow the requirements of licensing to be tailored to fit the needs of smaller firms.
Bitcoin bubble, the new tulip mania Part II
ver the years there have been numerous economic bubbles and subsequent crashes, for example, the dot-com bubble, the stock-market bubble, and the real estate bubble.
But the one few may be aware of is the tulip bulb market bubble (also known as tulip mania) of the 17th century in the Netherlands.
The bitcoin bubble – Part I
What if there is a technological advancement so powerful that it transforms the fundamental pillars of our society?
A technology that fundamentally influences the way our economy, governance systems and business functions, and could change our conceptual understandings of trade, ownership, and trust.
Online security a work in progress
In an increasingly online world, we are sharing and disclosing more and more online, and that information is being held digitally.
New Zealand's attempt to reform it's Privacy Act and make security breaches public has yet to make it through Parliament, though the reform was first proposed in 2014.
Ponzi schemes and fools' gold
You've probably heard the saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." This rings particularly true in the case on Ponzi schemes.
A Ponzi scheme is not a new wonder drug or an Italian beach resort, it's terrible for your financial health.
Trust Law reform Part III - Implications for trustees
Their disclosure obligations in the new trust act will increase the reputational and liability risk of not properly engaging with investment governance practices.
Trust Law Reform Part II- You'd best be prepared if trusts bill becomes law
The proposed law changes will mean the right to have the trust properly managed, in accordance with the trust deed, is paramount. Many trustees will need to balance these considerations, and it will be difficult.
