Market & Portfolio Update - August 2021
Global share markets were up over 3% in local currency terms for the month, but with the NZ dollar strengthening against most major currencies, this performance was slightly offset for NZ based investors. The US markets led global markets again, with the insurance sector being one of the best performing sectors. The Booster portfolios have been overweight US insurers since February.
The US market was also supported by the US central bank indicating they are likely to be more patient with raising interest rates than what the market was expecting. Although they did suggest reducing the size of their quantitative easing program later this year, provided the economy continues to make substantial further progress.
The New Zealand share market saw the latest round of financial reporting where companies report either their half year or full year financial results. Overall, the results were strong, with the majority of companies coming in ahead of the market’s expectations, reiterating the strength of New Zealand’s economic recovery.
Market & Portfolio Update - August 2025
The global share market (represented by the MSCI World Gross Index) was up +2.6% in NZ dollar terms in August. All eyes were on the largest publicly traded company in the world, Nvidia, as the AI chip producer released their latest earnings report, which soundly beat investors’ expectations of sales and earnings.
Lifetime Book Club: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton
“Money can't buy happiness – unless you know how to spend it.”
That’s the heart of Happy Money. This isn’t your usual guide to budgeting, saving, or investing. It’s a fascinating, research-driven look at how to turn spending into something that genuinely makes you feel good – not just for a moment, but in a meaningful, lasting way.