Market & Portfolio Update - May 2019
Market & Portfolio Update - May 2019
Most portfolios gave back a small portion of this year’s strong gains during May, with Balanced Portfolios down around 1% (compared to a 7% gain over the previous 12 months). This was driven by volatility in world share markets as trade tensions were again in the headlines, and some indicators of economic growth continued to weaken.
Global shares were the only major asset class to have negative returns for the month. The other 7 asset classes had a positive return.
With market interest rates also moving lower, fixed interest investments performed well, with both NZ and global bonds rising in value by 1% which helped support overall results.
NZ and Australian shares also performed positively, with our NZ share investments up almost 1%, and Australian shares buoyed by shares in the major banks. Banking shares returned 6% on average, after the Australian Liberal Party’s surprise election win cleared the way for continued favourable tax treatment on their dividends, and less regulatory pressure.
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.
The Summer Reset
Summer has a way of easing the pressure. The days feel longer, the calendar softens, and life slows just enough to remind us that not everything needs to be urgent, solved, or optimised right now. It’s a subtle shift, but a powerful one. And it’s what we like to think of as the summer reset.
Lifetime Book Club: Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
“The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend their lives doing what they love, with purpose.”
That is the central idea of Ikigai.
This is not a hustle manual or a step-by-step guide to success. It is a gentle, thoughtful exploration of what gives life meaning, and how small, intentional choices can lead to a longer, happier, more fulfilled life.