Economic vandalism

With Donald Trump having delivered a seismic shock to world trade, and then “back-flipped,” the benefit of a adopting a “cool head” has never been more apparent.

With Donald Trump having delivered a seismic shock to world trade, and then “back-flipped,” the benefit of a adopting a “cool head” has never been more apparent.

March was challenging for markets with investors having to deal with an ever-evolving trade situation. After a month-long pause, Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and...MORE»

Harbour Outlook: Escalating trade tensions impact markets Wednesday, April 9th, 9:12AM In early April, the US announced more aggressive than expected increases in import tariffs, which incorporate a reciprocal tariff programme with a minimum 10% on all countries, including Australia and New Zealand. MORE»		Passive Investing is Impassive on Valuation Monday, March 24th, 6:00AM It’s difficult to approach the topic of passive investing without acknowledging one’s own inherent bias. After all, careers have been built on the premise that active investing adds value. No matter how much we try and attempt to set biases aside – your author know they are unlikely to succeed. MORE»
Harbour Outlook: An inflection point to come for earnings? Tuesday, March 18th, 5:00AM The US economy may finally be starting to crack. Business surveys suggest the services sector is now contracting and real-time measures of Q1 GDP suggest the economy is in retreat. Retail sales were unexpectedly weak, and consumer confidence has dropped. The housing market is also showing signs of strain with both housing starts and sales dropping. MORE»		Sheep Sheds and Credit Spreads Saturday, March 15th, 6:04AM Mint Asset Management investment analyst Ryan Falls reckons, well his Dad reckoned, he was not got at counting sheep on the family farm. But with hard work and having a good framework things have changed. MORE»

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Volatility and Illiquidity to become KiwiSaver norm

Advisers will need to do plenty of client hand-holding as balances increasingly battle volatility and managers delve into more illiquid assets, according to research house Morningstar. MORE»

KiwiSaver or KiwiTaxer? The changes high on adviser wishlists

There remains no real incentive for clients to direct extra contributions into KiwiSaver, so long as New Zealand is still a global outlier in its choice of tax structure around retirement savings, according to one financial advisory firm leader. MORE»

No lid on KiwiSaver fees as balances grow

As KiwiSaver balances continue to swell the scheme is becoming a cash cow for investment managers, prompting one industry observer to question why there is not more downward pressure on fees. MORE»

Lock-up vs liquid: why a KiwiSaver cornerstone could change

With confidence in KiwiSaver underpinned by members’ ability to switch funds types and providers at a drop of hat, just how that will marry with long-term investment in potentially illiquid private assets remains in question. MORE»

KiwiSaver market share leader ANZ at bottom of performance table

The latest Morningstar KiwiSaver report shows the largest provider, ANZ with $22 billion under management, continues to be outperformed by most other providers in the core diversified fund categories. MORE»

KiwiSaver members open to sacrificing more for future gain

There appears to be an appetite among KiwiSaver members to take home less pay now in order to boost their retirement savings, according to a survey by investment platform Sharesies MORE»

Appeal of one-stop shop helps drive Sharesies’ KiwiSaver growth

Sharesies is a recent arrival on the KiwiSaver scene but says it’s finding favour with customers who access all their investments in one place. MORE»

Simple still best amid growing investment literacy

KiwiSaver members will likely be keeping a closer eye on their balances as their pot grows but for most a straightforward management approach remains the best fit, says Milford Asset Management’s Head of KiwiSaver and Retail. MORE»