Market & Portfolio Update - August 2023
Global share markets gave back some of their gains in August, declining 1.8% in local currency terms, but with the NZ dollar weakening against most major currencies, returns were positive for NZ-based investors.
During the month, investors assessed weaker economic data coming out of China. China’s latest industrial production, retail sales, and fixed asset investment reports all came in below expectations, prompting a surprise rate cut from the People’s Bank of China. Policymakers have been attempting to spur growth and spending in the world’s second-largest economy throughout the year.
The developments in China contributed to the weakening New Zealand dollar over recent months. As noted above, a weakening New Zealand dollar supports the value of overseas investments for New Zealand-based investors. It also helps support the New Zealand economy. When the New Zealand dollar falls, it makes the prices of our exports more competitive on the global stage.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) left New Zealand’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 5.5% at its meeting in August. The RBNZ’s economic growth and inflation forecasts were little changed, and it continues to expect OCR cuts in the second half of 2024.
A look back at when the world feared the worst
On August 2, 1990, the world woke up to a grim headline: “Iraq Invades Kuwait; Oil Prices Soar, Markets Plunge.”
Saddam Hussein's forces had crossed into Kuwait, triggering fears of a prolonged conflict in the oil-rich Middle East.
The immediate market reaction was swift and severe.
Lifetime Book Club: The Let Them Theory
In a world where we spend so much energy trying to control outcomes, manage other people’s opinions, and keep everything on track, this book offers a different approach. One that suggests peace comes not from controlling more, but from letting go.