News

Global markets were lower overnight as shares on Wall Street fell for the fourth straight session.

yesterday saw the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hold official interest rates at 1.5 per cent yesterday for the 27th consecutive meeting

Closer to home, yesterday saw Aussie economic growth (GDP) figures come in below market expectations.

Asian markets rallied after a February manufacturing index in China – the world’s second-biggest economy and Australia/New Zealand’s largest trading partner – was stronger than expected.

While global risks remain, the NZ market is back at an all-time high, while the Australian market index is trading at a 6-month high.

It has been another strong month for share markets with US markets gaining about +3% for the month. Australian shares recorded their biggest monthly percentage gain since July 2016.

We thought we would outline our general high-level views on the recent NZ capital gains tax (CGT) proposals.

Closer to home, corporate earnings announcements across Australasia remain the focus for local investors, and we touch on some of the key results from yesterday below.

Shares on Wall Street are at the highest levels since November, and President Donald Trump told reporters that he sees a “very good chance” of a trade deal with China.