Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019
Market & Portfolio Update - February 2019
Global share markets continued to rebound in February and have now recovered almost all of the decline we saw in the last three months of 2018. The Chinese share market was the standout performer, rebounding almost 14% after responding positively to stimulus provided by the Chinese Government. This also helped trade sentiment globally and drove higher prices for commodities such as iron ore – this in turn supported the Australian share market in particular, which gained 6%.
The US Government is now open for business again after the longest shut-down in US history. President Trump shut a good portion of the government down over funding for his wall.
US – China Trade Talks. Early indications are that good progress has been made towards an overall trade agreement acceptable to both countries.
The US Central Bank also gave indications that they now have some flexibility regarding their interest rate hikes, acknowledge the recent slowdown and are happy to take a wait and see approach for the moment. Share-markets really liked this.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held as at the report date and are subject to change without notice. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.
Lifetime Book Club: Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
"The truth is, we are not losing our ability to focus because we are lazy or undisciplined. We are losing it because our attention has been stolen."
That is the central idea of Stolen Focus. This is not a typical productivity guide filled with tips to switch off notifications. It is a thoughtful, well-researched investigation into why so many of us are struggling to concentrate and what can be done about it.
Market & Portfolio Update - October 2025
The global share market (represented by the MSCI World Gross Index) was up +3.5% in NZ dollar terms in October. The relatively strong month was underpinned by signs of easing trade tensions between the US and China and another solid US corporate earnings season.