DelphiNews April 2015

I’m pleased to enclose the latest edition of DelphiNews.

Market Update

Global equity market volatility continues to increase and is impacted by uncertainties around oil and commodity prices as well as the timing of the anticipated rise in interest rates. It’s predicted that global equity markets will continue to trend higher throughout 2015 but with increased volatility.

The USD continued to appreciate against the majors in Q1 but particularly against the EUR and the GBP in March. Interest rates are expected to rise, however, will remain data dependent and will be gradual.

The Eurozone is showing signs of a positive recovery and should continue. The weak EUR is also having a positive impact on the Eurozone economy, making exports relatively cheaper.

China continues to adopt monetary easing strategies to stimulate the economy. China’s inflation remains well below target, with a 1.4% rise in February following the 0.8% in January.

Domestically, the RBA maintained the cash rate at 2.25% and further cuts may be deemed necessary. House prices continue to rise in the major capital cities, but Sydney accounted for the majority of this increase whilst the other cities had virtually no increase. The unemployment rate eased from its 12 year high to 6.3%.

Economic Update

In the latest Update, Brian Parker, Head of Portfolio Specialists Group at MLC, reviews events in Australian and Overseas markets during January. Brian notes that world share prices fell back a little in March, after gains in February. But that there was a good deal of divergence between the performances of the major markets. He state that MLC continues to prefer foreign currencies over the Australian dollar, which still looks overvalued and vunerable to further falls.

Retirement Money

Entering retirement doesn’t mean you can stop carefully managing your retirement money. The article below points out that it’s important that you continue to get the most from your savings and plan ahead. 

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this month's articles.

Regards

Vince Dore CFP
Director