Stock Markets, Simplified.
While a shutdown of the US government and uncertainly is rarely market-friendly, investors appeared too focused on earnings gains and the promise of tax-cut bolstered dividends versus the latest round of political brinkmanship. Looking historically, the m
It was a remarkable year for share markets in 2017, with major markets across the globe notching returns of around +20% for the year (for the year the US Market was up +19%, NZ Market +22%, AU Market +7%). What was more surprising than the strong returns
Global markets were higher as all three major US benchmarks closed at record highs as a long-awaited bill to cut corporate tax rates looked like it would win enough support from lawmakers to pass. President Donald Trump's Republicans appear to have settle
Both the Australian and NZ dollar have trended lower of late, and several market commentators suggest there is more to come. Morgan Stanley have suggested that investors position for further currency falls, with a forecast for the AUD to hit 65 cents agai
. As we have discussed previously, looking forward we see interest rate moves by the Fed as critical to driving markets (as a “policy error” with rates rising too fast could cause a sell-off in markets). On this front, the US Senate Banking Committee hold
While the three US benchmarks pulled back over the weekend, it should be kept in mind that the S&P 500 remains up more than 15% this year. Further, while Wall Street slipped from record highs, it has now been 261 trading days since we have had a 3% or mor
Global markets were higher on Friday, as the US market recorded its eighth straight positive week and volatility remains suppressed. This has been the longest string of weekly gains for Wall Street since 2013, as a strong Apple result buoyed confidence in
Global markets rallied on Friday, led by a 13% surge in Amazon, in the process making founder Jeff Bezos the world's richest person at $US93.8 billion - more than $US5 billion clear of Bill Gates. It wasn’t only strong earnings which supported the US mark
On the NZX, investors have identified potential winners & losers from last week’s surprise election outcome. Market moves largely played out as we expected, with the retirement sector coming under significant pressure, with the largest player Ryman Health
Global markets were mixed on Friday, although Wall Street was slightly higher, as the major US indices experienced a 5th straight week of gains. The bull market's upward momentum remains intact for now, helped by increasing signs that the global economy