Market & Portfolio Update - May 2023
May saw global share markets deliver a flat return in local currency terms. Worries over the US debt ceiling made headlines; however, a deal between Republicans and Democrats was reached shortly after month-end, and the crisis was averted.
California-based Fisher Investments led the way, supported by their holdings in a number of technology companies. For example, Nvidia jumped 40% after it raised its outlook above expectations thanks to demand for its AI processor chips. At the time of writing, the stock is up over 160% year to date.
In May, we saw the release of the latest NZ budget, with the release pointing toward increased debt issuance, more spending and a significant cash deficit. Global credit rating agency S&P reiterated their previous warning around NZ debt levels, indicating a credit rating downgrade may be in the works if we stay on this same path with respect to government spending.
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.
The Biggest Mistake Existing Property Investors Make
Are you asset-rich but cash-poor? This is very common for a lot of existing property investors who purchased before or during the last property boom and experienced significant gains in property values.