The main points are as follows: Key megatrends relevant for investors are: slower growth in household debt; the backlash against economic rationalism & rise of populism; geopolitical tensions; aging and slowing populations; low commodity prices; technological innovation & automation; the Asian ascendancy & China’s growing middle class; rising environmental awareness; and the energy revolution. Most…
Key points are as follows… The past financial year has been rather messy for investors with another long worry list, a bear market in most share markets and record low bond yields. However, returns for diversified investors were not disastrous and followed several strong years. More importantly there are nine reasons for optimism: okay growth,…
The key points are as follows: The Australian Federal election has delivered a messy result suggesting an even more difficult Senate for the Coalition if it is able to form government and the risk of return to minority government. The risk is that we will see a further slippage in the budget outlook – with…
Key points are as follows… The success of Trump and Sanders in the US, the close Brexit vote and the Australian Federal Election campaign suggest median voters have shifted to the left and support for economic rationalist policies has fallen. The risk is that a reversal of such policies will be another contributor to constrained…
Key points are as follows… At extremes the investment crowd is invariably wrong. Everyone who wants to buy will have done so and the only way is down (or vice versa in crowd panics). The trouble with crowds is rooted in the lapses of logic observed by individual investors. Investors are best off taking a…
Key points are as follow… After decent gains in shares and other growth assets since February we could have a short term rough patch given risks around the Fed, Brexit, elections, etc. However, with most share markets offering reasonable value, global monetary conditions remaining easy and no sign of the much feared recession (in the…
Key points are as follows… A more dovish Fed, better Australian economic data, higher commodity prices and the reversal of high levels of shorts have seen the $A gain 12% from its January low. It could hit $US0.80 in the short term. However, the bounce is unlikely to be sustained with a continuation of the…
Kajanga Kulatunga – Portfolio Specialist, NAB Asset Management Investment markets can be unpredictable. Just when you get used to enjoying a prolonged period of strong returns, suddenly you can be faced with a wild share market rollercoaster and begin wondering whether you should get off. Content Investment markets can be unpredictable. Just when you get…
Highlights; Global equity markets continued to correct through February but stage an early March recovery Oil prices staged a strong recovery from mid-February – up 37% China economic data continued to consolidate and targets 6.5% minimum growth US economic data continued to improve Marginally weaker Eurozone economic data heightens the likelihood of further quantitative easing…
Key points are as follows The Australian economy grew a surprisingly strong 3% through 2015, as non-mining activity and export volumes helped offset the slump in mining investment. Growth is likely to slip back to around 2.5% this year, so a further RBA rate cut is still likely, albeit it’s a close call. Low interest…