Following the slide into bear market territory (defined as a 20% or great fall) by the Australian ASX 200 index last week, the attached note takes a look at past Australian bear markets since 1900 and what determines whether a bear market is mild as opposed to long and deep. The key points are as…
Oil prices are down more than 70% from their levels two years ago driven by a combination of a surge in supply relative to demand and a rise in the value of the $US. Further weakness down to $US20 / barrel is possible, but we are getting closer to the point where supply slows. So…
2016 should end much better than it has started off for investors, ultimately providing ok investment returns, but expect a continued volatile ride. · Watch the Fed, the $US, global business conditions indicators, China and business confidence in Australia. · The investment cycle still favours growth assets over cash and bonds – despite all the…
Highlights; Global equity markets correct in December – although Australia was a strong performer Oil prices continue to weaken China stock market volatility, and weaker economic data, creates deflationary fears US economic data continues to point to an improved recovery. US Federal Reserve commenced the process of normalisation of interest rates in December. Eurozone economic…
John Owen, Portfolio Specialist, discusses subdued share markets, the impact of monetary policy and how MLC’s portfolios are positioned. In the latest update, John reviews events in markets during December. He discusses: share markets concluding the year on a subdued note, with most recording negative returns in December how monetary policy remained an important influence…
As 2015 draws to a close, it’s time to review what’s happened in investment markets this year and look ahead to 2016. Investors have enjoyed another year of positive returns, despite considerable midyear volatility. However, the returns shown in Table 1 are below those that were reported in 2014, in some cases materially lower. Read…
John Owen, Portfolio Specialist, discusses easing global share market returns, developments in China and how MLC’s portfolios are positioned. In the latest update, John reviews events in markets during November. He discusses: how after recording strong gains in October, share market returns were more subdued in November monetary policy continuing to be an important influence…
General Advice Warning: Any advice in this publication is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information. Around half of us make New Year’s resolutions – but only around 12% manage to succeed[1]. With getting out of debt and…
John Owen, Portfolio Specialist, discusses the global share market recovery, why caution is still waranted from an Australian perspective and how MLC’s portfolios are positioned. In the latest update, John reviews events in markets during October. He discusses: how share markets performed strongly in October, going some way to recovering the losses of the previous…
Getting your mortgage application together can require quite a bit of financial scrutiny. In order to figure out your serviceability, your potential lender will look deeply into your finances. It’s a no brainer to take your credit card debts into consideration when applying for a mortgage. But what many people do not realise is that…