You may recall that six months ago the market consensus was that central banks would start cutting interest rates and that they would do so aggressively as inflation was expected to contract considerably. Expectations were high that the US Federal Reserve would make at least six rate cuts over the course of 2024. While the […]
READ MOREThe Mega 7
Averages can hide a multitude of sins, and this is particularly the case with the Mega 7 in financial markets. So far this year, investors in the US S&P 500 Index have been very happy with themselves, wondering what all the recession talk is about while they have enjoyed 15% returns so far. This is […]
READ MORENavigating the current global economic landscape
The global economic landscape has witnessed unprecedented shifts and challenges in recent years, leaving investors around the world to grapple with uncertainty and adapt to new realities. In this article, we delve into the current situation, highlighting key challenges and opportunities that shape investment strategies in this dynamic environment. The post pandemic era continues to […]
READ MORE2023 Market Outlook
Navigating markets in 2023 will require patience, diligence and an active overlay as volatility is likely to reign supreme. “Successful investing is anticipating the anticipations of others” – John Maynard Keynes. With eight interest rate increases in 2022, taking our official cash rate from 0.1% (April 2022) to 3.10% (December 2022) it would […]
READ MOREWhack-a-mole
I am sure that we can all remember the carnival game of whack-a-mole; it had many variants but essentially a mole puppet would pop up out of a random hole and you had to quickly whack it on the head before it dropped back down. The more hits you have, the higher your score. Trying […]
READ MOREWhere are interest rates headed?
Interest rates are certainly on the rise, so much so that the recent sell off in bonds has been the biggest seen in almost 50 years.
READ MOREPortfolio positioning in times of panic
“Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options.” Simon Sinek Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated panic, though thankfully it seems to have waned a little as we all acclimatise to the new rules. A medical crisis like this taps into our human […]
READ MOREYour financial wellbeing is not dependent upon 2020 predictions
A new year can bring fresh ideas and brave new commitments that most of us will, unfortunately, simply forget about over the course of the year. The difference between those who are successful and those who aren’t is consistency and persistence. It takes commitment to stick to a plan in order to obtain success. Our […]
READ MOREGame of chicken
Are they MAD? – This is a monumental game of chicken. US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping, are currently engaged in a monumental game of chicken as they drive their respective economies into a headlong conflict. The problem is that they are not just messing with their own lives, they are putting […]
READ MOREDon’t neglect your cash
Fundamentally we all understand the importance of holding some extra cash, whether it be in your wallet for that emergency purchase or in your bank account. For many of us, that sense of needing to hold onto some cash stems from the environment that we grew up in. It is really only in the last […]
READ MORE