Bonds bright spot for active managers in 24

Standard and Poors annual report comparing how active managers have performed against passive ones has some good news for local managers.

The SPIVA report for calendar 2024 says it was another challenging year for active managers across developed equity markets. 

“A large majority of global equity funds domiciled in New Zealand lagged the S&P World Index, with 83% of global equity funds and 71% of global equity (hedged) funds underperforming.”

However, New Zealand equity funds fared relatively better, with a 58% ...MORE»

FMA files charges against former adviser Tuesday, March 18th, 2:34PM The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has filed criminal charges against former financial adviser David McEwen, for failing to comply with a stop order, due to concerns he is still contacting potential investors. MORE»

KiwiSaver gender gap widest in middle-age Tuesday, March 18th, 6:00AM Balances have climbed after a year of strong market performance but women are still being left well behind as compound interest works its magic on their male counterparts’ larger balances in the lead-up to retirement. MORE»

Spark's continuing slide helps drive NZ sharemarket down 0.8%, over 7% for the year

Leading telco Spark continued its slide, with a2 Milk hitting a four-year high, Smartpay having two takeover bids, and the New Zealand sharemarket starting the new week with a 0.8% fall.

The S&P/NZX 50 Index was weaker in the afternoon and closed at 12,166.14, down 100.11 points or 0.82%. The index is down more than 7% for the year.

There were 44.3 million share transactions worth $157.8m.

'Patchy'

Matt Goodson, managing director with Salt Funds Management, said it was generally expected “we would see an advance on the back of strong US markets, but our market ...MORE»

[The Wrap] Just when you thought there would be less there's more. Saturday, March 15th, 10:11AM About a year ago a senior executive at a life insurance company told me we have too many life insurers in New Zealand and there needed to be more consolidation. 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»

News Bites

Turbocharge your brand

Heathcote Investment Partners has launched a new initiative designed to support and empower the financial advice industry in New Zealand. MORE»

GoodReturns TV

[GRTV] Antipodes portfolio manager discusses emerging markets fund's potential amid volatility

Antipodes Portfolio Manager John Stavliotis discusses the opportunities in emerging markets, their strong growth potential and diversification benefits.  MORE»

Harbour Outlook: An inflection point to come for earnings?

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»

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Non-Pharmac-funded drug insurance comes with limits

Insurance advisers need to understand that most insurers will only cover non-Pharmac-funded cancer drugs if they have been approved by Medsafe and also indicated as treatment for the specific type of cancer their client develops. MORE»

TMM Online

Turnaround times for mortgage applications spin out again

After some catch-up in January, mortgage advisers say turn around times for home loan applications have again reached the “train wreck” stage they were at in October. MORE»

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Pinnacle doubles its NZ presence

Australian based fund business has added a second person on the ground in New Zealand. MORE»

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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»