In the December edition of Fidelity’s monthly newsletter, Fidelity Insights, Investment Commentator Michael Collins gave us an overview of the current state of the US housing market that I thought may be of interest to our readers.
The US housing market, experiencing its worst crash since the 1930s, is showing very little signs of a rebound despite record low mortgages. A drop in applications for mortgages and building permits, excess supply and tougher lending standards are all typical characteristics of the current market.
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In the last six months, financial markets have been mesmerised by the threat of a possible recession in the US and Europe. Recent US economic data points to their economy continuing to grow slowly – Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded 2.5% in the third quarter of 2011 over the previous quarter – escaping the recession some had expected. Yesterday, European leaders agreed on a rescue deal to save Europe from financial meltdown.
Now, turning to recent media conjecture that China might be in for a hard landing. A recent article by Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist at the AMP, gives a clearer perspective on the situation. Read More »
The recent volatility in Australian and overseas markets, buffeted by continuing economic and political turmoil, has left many very cautious about investing fresh money despite share prices being well below intrinsic valuations.
I would like to share with you here a special report written by Jeremy Chunn in The Australian Financial Review on 12 October 2011. While many remain concerned about a fragile European banking system and a probable European recession, Jeremy reminds us of the great investment choices currently on offer on global markets, which can be accessed via exchange-traded funds (ETFs). With 30-year highs in the Australian dollar coupled with 20-year lows in valuations, ETFs represents a very efficient way to access the US stock market, as well as other overseas markets, including emerging markets.
To read Jeremy’s full article, click here.
We hope all of you have had a peaceful and happy Christmas period and are looking forward to what the New Year might bring. Although still fragile, markets are gradually regaining confidence and all Australians should be counting their blessings as we live in a country that has been relatively unaffected by economic disasters elsewhere in the world.
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We found this recent article, written by Jim Parker, Regional Director of DFA Australia Limited, a good example of the best attributes that should be found in your ideal wealth adviser. We are already confident that we are an ‘Independent Voice’ because we are one of the few boutique wealth advisory firms that holds their own Australian Financial Services Licence. We passionately believe that the other attributes described, must be integral to forming an enduring partnership with our clients. Read More »
