Market & Portfolio Update - November 2022

Global share markets had another strong month in November, rising 5.6% in local currency terms. Investors were encouraged by lower than expected year-on-year inflation in the US of 7.7%, down from 8.2% in the prior month.

The news of a possible peak of inflation also supported fixed interest or bond markets. Global bond markets rose almost 2.5%, and the New Zealand bond market rose almost 1% in November – quite decent returns when it comes to bond investments. These returns provided some reprieve for bond investors after higher interest rates have weighed on bond returns throughout much of 2022.

The New Zealand share market delivered a “modest” 2% for the month on the back of better than expected half-year results for New Zealand’s largest listed company – Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. The respiratory equipment manufacturer reported a 57% drop in profit as it came out of a period of significant Covid-induced demand. However, the drop in profit was less than investors were expecting, and the company ended the month up 20%.