Gentlemen Prefer Bonds

David Smart

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA), conducts an annual Survey into the level of confidence New Zealanders have about financial markets. 

 The latest survey indicates that New Zealanders are not well informed about one of the world’s largest financial markets – the bond market. This is despite the fact the size of the worldwide bond market (total debt outstanding) at 2017, was estimated by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) to be US$100 trillion. By contrast the worldwide share market was estimated at US$85.3 trillion.

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Residential Property and Shares in New Zealand

David Smart

Investors are often interested in the relative performance of residential property compared to shares. This is especially relevant in New Zealand due to our high levels of investment in residential property compared to international norms. According to RBNZ data, the total value of household investment in residential property (excluding vacant land), was $838 billion at 31 December 2018. Residential property serves a dual function as both a place to live and as a vehicle for savings and investment. Either way the value to New Zealanders of this asset class is significantly higher than the amount that households invest in New Zealand and Overseas listed shares. At 31 December 2018 households had invested only $112 billion in this asset class.

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The Tax Working Group - the Minority View

David Smart

On 21 February 2019 the Tax Working Group (the Group), released its Final Report called “The Future of Tax”.  Although the report covers far more ground than the taxation of capital gains, it is this aspect that has excited the most interest amongst the public. The Coalition Government has undertaken to take a “measured response” to the report and to make further announcements in April on any measures to be adopted.

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