News

Political tensions appeared to subside in Hong Kong, after embattled leader Carrie Lam said she formally withdrew legislation to allow extraditions to China, the detonator for three months of often-violent protests.

US stocks fell as data showed US factory activity shrank for the first time since 2016 in August.

​Property markets across Australia & NZ are showing signs of stabilisation, with factors such as lower interest rates, more relaxed regulations by APRA, and a surprise Australian election outcome contributing to positivity.

Property markets across Australia & NZ are showing signs of stabilisation, with factors such as lower interest rates, more relaxed regulations by APRA, and a surprise Australian election outcome contributing to positivity.

The Australian market (ASX 200) ended the month losing -3%, while the NZ market (NZX 50) finished August down -1%.​

Global markets ​bounced overnight  led by the trade-sensitive technology and industrial sectors, as China sounded hopeful on trade negotiations with the United States, easing concerns.

In the UK, Boris Johnson said he will ask the Queen to suspend parliament from mid-September to mid-October in a move to prevent rivals from blocking a  no-deal Brexit. 

Global markets were mixed overnight, as Wall Street moved between gains & losses but ended the session lower.

Global markets​ partially​ ​recovered overnight as major US market indexes bounced following a sharp sell-off in the prior session.