In this quarter’s Points of Interest, we focus on one of the investments typically held within client portfolios, providing an insight into our investment selection process.

In this edition of our quarterly newsletter, Points of Interest, we discuss the hype and noise around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and consider the impact it has had on stock markets and companies operating in the industry.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we discuss the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, an event which has unnerved investors and raised concerns over a repeat of the global financial crisis. We also discuss the impending ‘mortgage cliff’, as borrowers exit fixed low-rate loans and are required to fund much higher borrowing costs.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we review the major events and issues of 2022. Rising interest rates around the world, as the world battled post-Covid inflation, resulted in heavy losses on most stock markets. Recession concerns are also mounting.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we review the impact that rising interest rates have had on the global economy, and more specifically, the stock market both here and abroad. Valuations of bonds, shares, property and most other asset classes have fallen heavily as global interest rates remain high.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we discuss the very poor performance of global stock markets over the previous three-month period, which saw the US stock market suffer its worst six-month return since 1970. We expect market volatility to be high for at least six to twelve months, until there is greater clarity around the direction of interest rates.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we again discuss the potential impact of rising inflation and interest rates. Stock markets have reacted poorly to the prospect of significantly higher interest rates, with steep falls on all major markets.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we review the major economic and financial events of 2021, where the impact of the pandemic was again the most significant factor. We also look ahead to 2022, where we see rising interest rates as being a potential issue for the stock market in coming months.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we discuss the Chinese property market, where concerns over developer Evergrande are causing problems for financial markets. We also consider the inflationary pressures that are building in the global economy. At this stage it is not clear if inflation will be transitory or here to stay, with differing outcomes for financial markets.

In this edition of Points of Interest, we discuss the impact of the pandemic and falling fertility levels on population growth in Australia. We also consider the shift to ‘work from home’ and the impact on the commercial property sector.