The second quarter of the year saw increased volatility in many markets. However, after the early April unveiling of controversial US tariff policy caused sharp initial jitters, markets generally closed out a strong three months.

In this update, we recap global trade policy developments and reflect on how the recent conflict in the Middle East has impacted the price of oil. We also look at recent economic growth rates in New Zealand and consider the ‘best’ time to invest in growth assets. 

In the feature article, titled ‘the magic of the managed fund’, we take a deeper dive into the reasons why investing through well diversified, low-cost managed funds remains one of the best ways to grow wealth over the long term.

The major headline issues facing markets at the beginning of the recent quarter, such as continuing geopolitical conflict and contentious US trade policy, remained resolutely unresolved at the end of it. But markets didn’t wait around for greater clarity to emerge. Most share markets and bond markets ‘rolled on’ regardless, providing further good reward to investors able to accept some elevated turbulence along the way.  

We look forward to next informing you about how the markets are performing in our Spring Update due out in October.

Read our commentary and featured article here