June's Newsletter

Five ways to take control of your money, grow your wealth and start enjoying financial peace of mind.

The problem with the good times is that they make it easy to forget the hard times. The past decade, and indeed the past four months, have seen the major US share market indexes hit all-time highs despite the uncertainty surrounding trade disputes, potential rate hikes and a slowing global economy.

By Sinead Rafferty, Portfolio Specialist, MLC

The severe falls in global share markets in late 2018, after almost a decade of strong market returns, led many investors to ask whether it was too risky to stay invested in the share market during their retirement. If they did stay invested, should they move to a strategy with less exposure to higher risk investments, like shares? 

Helping to make sense of capital gains tax.

Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.

Highlights:

• The US-China trade dispute has raised fears of a prolonged game of one-upmanship that could result in long-term damage to the global economy.

• US Fed officials believe some of the recent weakness in inflation data may be temporary, but some have expressed concern about a cycle of low inflation expectations.

• Sentiment in Europe remains weak as Europe-wide elections in May revealed growing discontent with the major political groupings.

• China is attempting to balance its financial stability and economic growth objectives, while markets are concerned that current stimulus measures may be too constrained.

• The RBA cut the cash rate at its June meeting to 1.25%—the lowest level on record—in response to weaker inflation and a noticeable rise in unemployment.

If you have any questions regarding this report or would like to discuss your portfolio, please contact me directly on 02 6562 2295 Read full June 2019 market update report  >>