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DelphiNews April 2014

I’m pleased to enclose the April 2014 edition of Market Update.

Overall we’ve seen advanced global economies continue to show an upward trend, albeit somewhat slow due to the bad weather experienced in the early months of 2014, while emerging economies have flat-lined as expected.

Taking a closer look at the US in Q1 2014, not all partial indicators have weakened. The jobless rate remains relatively flat, business investment has stayed positive, and housing construction has continued to grow.

In Europe the Purchasing Managers’ Index remains above 50, indicating economic expansion. However, this is not expected to be strong enough to dent unemployment just yet.

China recorded its first domestic corporate bond default in early March. This has raised concerns about their shadow banking system.

Meanwhile, back in Australia we’ve seen growth falter, driven by poorer conditions in manufacturing and wholesale, as well as heightened concerns over job security. While the annual GDP growth rate of 2.8% is below the rate needed to prevent rising unemployment, overall business confidence is up compared to 2013.

In the Economic Update, Brian Parker, Senior Investment Consultant at MLC Investment Management, reviews events in Australian and Overseas markets during February. Brian states that events in the Ukraine continue to unsettle markets. Markets seem to be taking the view that common sense will prevail, and that there won’t be a further escalation of the crisis, but this episode is a reminder that geopolitical risk is something that investors have to deal with from time to time.

Your retirement years are a chance to relax, rejuvenate and focus on the people and activities that matter most to you. But retiring is also one of the most significant life changes you’ll ever make, and adjusting to life after work can be hard. Below are some tips for avoiding the retirement blues and enjoying a stress-free retirement.

Finally the end of financial year is almost here. With a little planning, you can increase your chances of a healthy tax return and start the new financial year in top financial shape. See the article below for some further tips.

Please contact us if you would like to review your financial position to ensure that your long term plans are achievable.

If you have any questions regarding the information contained in this edition of DelphiNews or if you or a family member would like to review your current investment strategy please call us on 1300 167 826.

 

Regards

Vince Dore

Vince Dore CFP

Director