Global share markets were higher in November, buoyed by Donald Trump’s US election victory. His election promises included tax cuts and deregulation, which are largely seen as good for businesses. Key share market indices in the US hit all-time highs, continuing their great run this year, while markets down under were also on track to finish the month with solid gains.
September was a volatile month for US equities, with most markets retreating early in the month, before resuming their move higher after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates. October is expected to bring more interest rate cuts from several of the world's central banks, while the US election is a matter of weeks away. With a look at this and more, here's ANZ Investments' Month Ahead.
As at 23 August US equity markets have made gains this month, with the S&P 500 Index up 2.2% (with five days left to go). At one point, however, the broad-based index was down by as much as 6%, as July’s employment report showed unemployment rose to 4.3%, the highest level since October 2021, and the number of jobs created was well below expectations. It raised fears the US economy could be headed for a slowdown and perhaps even a recession.
As we head into July, central bank policy remains front-and-centre, with the political landscape in Europe increasingly likely to sway investor sentiment.
April was another positive month for most global equity markets as the strong economic recovery continued. As we look forward to May, corporate earnings continue to roll out, while proposed tax policies in the US will also garner our attention. With these issues – and more – in mind, here’s ANZ’s Month Ahead.
After a sluggish start to the year, international equity markets are on track to post gains in February. However, domestic stocks have struggled with the NZX 50 set to finish the month lower. As we enter March, the focal point has turned to rising government bond yields and the impact for equity markets. Here’s ANZ Investments’ Month Ahead.
In the wake of a tumultuous 2020, people – and markets – will be looking for a return to a more ‘normal’ environment. In this issue, we look at what the year may have in store for investors, as well as for one of New Zealand’s well-known businesses. We also look at the return of one of New Zealand’s most iconic events.
Now, after the New Zealand Labour Party stormed to a comprehensive victory in October, the political focus turns to the US for the 2020 presidential election. The election will dominate the month, with ensuing policy measures still on the table – most notably related to the pandemic. While the election is front and centre, there is still plenty to keep an eye on this November. And with this in mind, here’s ANZ’s Month Ahead.
It’s become a cliché to talk about 2020 as a year of unprecedented change – but in many areas it may also have ushered in the start of a ‘new normal’. Super-low interest rates, and an accelerated shift to online services in many aspects of our daily lives, are just two aspects that look like they’re here to stay, for the foreseeable future at least. In this issue we look at the implications of some of these trends, as well as our usual review of local and global markets.
In the midst of all this change, however, our focus remains firmly on helping our clients succeed. In this issue we profile one of our clients who has had incredible success on the world stage, and who continues to make a contribution to New Zealand – Sir Bob Charles.
Equity markets continued to post solid gains throughout August, with indices in the US making new record highs. The S&P 500 rose above 3400 for the first time, eclipsing its mid-February high, while tech stocks continued to march on, with the NASDAQ 100 also making a new all-time high. Down under, New Zealand equities slightly underperformed most global indices as the reemergence of COVID-19 dampened investor optimism.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Zealand economy has been enormous – and managing that impact has required some unprecedented measures. One of those has been the Reserve Bank’s quantitative easing programme. While quantitative easing has been widely used overseas, it is a new approach for New Zealand. Our layman’s guide to quantitative easing in this issue explains how it will work in practice, and what it means.
As we head into June, we will be paying close attention to the global employment situation as the number of people out of work begins to add to the strain on the global economy. Furthermore, heightening geopolitical tensions and growth data are some of the key areas on the radar this month. With this in mind, here’s ANZ Investments Month Ahead for June.
There’s plenty to be worried about at the moment, and financial stability concerns have been a core part of the RBNZ’s policy response to COVID-19. In the Financial Stability Report, the RBNZ highlighted the resilience of the New Zealand banking system and its role in supporting the economy. But risks abound, and job losses and loan losses are unfortunately inevitable.
We are now around two months since major stock indices in the US and down under reached all- time highs. What has happened since then doesn’t need too much revisiting: more than 1 million COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases, coming up 80,000 deaths across more than 200 countries. The coronavirus, ostensibly, brought the global economy to a near standstill.
