DelphiNews August 2017

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

Market Update

Welcome to the August edition of the Market Update. 

In a relatively quiet month for economic and policy news, global equity prices rose, helped by corporate earnings reports in the United States and Europe that were relatively strong.

The US Dollar fell 2.9% against a trade-weighted basket of currencies as the “Trump Slump” continued.

Over the month the lower US Dollar, and Chinese policies to cut metal production capacity, boosted commodity prices denominated in US Dollars such as oil, copper, aluminium and iron ore.

US technology stocks renewed their uptrend helped by strong earnings reports from Apple, Facebook and Google’s parent company Alphabet.

Chinese economic growth remained at a strong 6.9% annual rate in the June quarter.

Australia’s equity market traded sideways for the second month in a row as investors remained cautious ahead of reporting season.

Economic Update

In this update, Bob Cunneen, Senior Economist talks to Jason Hazell, Head of Investment Communications, about key events driving markets during June.

They discuss:

• improving Australian economic activity data

• heightened geopolitical risks between the US and North Korea causing a spike in share market volatility, and

• President Trump's bold promises of corporate tax cuts and higher infrastructure spending continuing to be supportive of US shares.

Laterpreneurs: Taking on encore careers

Once upon a time, people went out, got a job and stayed there for the rest of their working lives. But “a job for life” is no longer an option for most working Australians.

Changing careers, going out on your own and pursuing a dream to become self-employed has become the reality for many. The amount of co-working spaces that have opened up in major cities is evidence that more people are working for themselves and starting their own businesses. The article below provides some insights in taking on a later career.

How my life changed when I became a carer

Many Australians will take on caregiver roles at some point in their lives. Mine came three-and-a-half years ago and it’s been challenging (but ultimately rewarding) on a number of levels. Writer Ambra Sancin shares below how her life changed when she became a carer for her mother.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding these articles or to discuss your financial requirements.

Regards

Vince Dore CFP
Director