Adviser Resources

Market Insights

Investing in Japan: The contrarian investment is getting difficult to ignore

November 1, 2022

Japan, the contrarian trade too difficult to ignore. Interview with Platinum Asset Management and Jonathan Ramsay from InvestSense.

The start of a new regime change Part 1 - The Set Up

November 1, 2022

October has been easy from a market point of view. Recap of markets in China and Hong Kong. Andrew Hunt says so far so good for now. What's next?

Whispers of a changing rates outlook

October 25, 2022

There was more volatility in markets last week, led again by US markets, driven in turn by US rate speculation.

A full cycle in one week

October 10, 2022

It felt like we had a full business cycle last week with market euphoria earlier in the week give way to more worries about rising interest rates later on, leaving markets up a percent or so after a 6% round trip.

Volatile ride continues as markets react to inflation data

October 7, 2022

The volatility continued last week, and when the roulette stopped at the end of the week the US was down by almost 2% and the Nasdaq by a bit more than 3% along with emerging markets (mainly weighed down by China).

UK pension system reaches breaking point

October 4, 2022

Markets finished the month with another down week (about -3% for most markets), leaving equity markets down around 10% for the month and around 5% for the quarter.

Weekly Market Update

Markets Trek Higher on Approach to Peak Inflation

November 17, 2023

Stocks continued their strong November rally this week, as hopes grew that inflation has peaked and the Fed is nearing the end of its rate hiking cycle. The S&P 500 rose 1.9% on Tuesday following the cooler than expected US CPI print, bringing its gains for the month so far to 7%.

Weekly Market Update

Australian Dollar Slides on Divergent RBA and Fed Policy Messaging

November 10, 2023

Most markets were up slightly this week as the US tech stocks led the way for most of the week before falling back overnight as Jerome Powell struck a more hawkish tone, implying that while rates in the US may be near their peak they might have to stay there for a while longer.

Weekly Market Update

October's Financial Flux: A Precursor to Change in Investor Fortunes

November 3, 2023

During October, global markets experienced a downturn amidst inflation worries and the threat of rising interest rates, leading to a 2.7% fall in global equities and a 3.8% drop in Australian stocks, with tech sectors and major companies like Nvidia and Tesla taking notable hits. Despite the gloom, the materials sector saw gains, and gold shone brightly as a safe haven, appreciating by 7.3%.

Weekly Market Update

Stocks Stumble, Bonds Steady as Growth Fears Loom

October 27, 2023

Equity markets declined over the past week, with the S&P/ASX 300 down -3.3% and the MSCI World Ex Australia index falling 2.7% in local terms, but only -0.9% in Australian Dollar terms for the unhedged Australian investor. Most of the falls happened overnight as a higher-than-expected GDP number put upward pressure on short-term rates.

Weekly Market Update

Rising Rates Rattle Stocks as Geopolitical Risks Emerge

October 20, 2023

This week rates have headed resolutely upwards, and stocks have not liked it much with most markets heading steadily downwards throughout the week.

Weekly Market Update

Riding the Market Rollercoaster

October 13, 2023

If we had written this commentary early in the week as intended, we would have said that markets were still on the back foot, as they were down another few percent. However, having got to the end of this week things have improved quite a bit and most markets are now actually up a few percent, with China leading the way.

Market Focus

Andrew Hunt's visit to New York and some key implications for global markets

September 1, 2023

Last week Andrew visited the InvestSense offices and shared his observations and findings from his visit to the United States, specifically New York.

Weekly Market Update

Equities turbulent but resilient as interest rates rise

March 1, 2023

Last week the S&P 500 traded in a 3% range, having done a 2% round trip on Thursday, followed by a 3% fall on Friday after the inflation data release and then another almost 2% round trip yesterday. Emerging markets were the worst performing, down 4% for the week. Taking a step back though, most equity markets haven’t given back that much of their gains from January, while Europe and the Nasdaq remain up 10% for the year.

Weekly Market Update

Strong start to the year continues despite recession concerns

January 24, 2023

As the world’s elite gathered in a snowless Davos, markets focused on much more immediate concerns, starting with the continuing wave of layoffs in corporate America. Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Salesforce and Goldman Sachs, among others, took turns to announce staff cuts. It would appear boardrooms and CEOs are lending some credence to the possibility of a recession in 2023.

Inflation - Flash Update

September 14, 2022

In light of the recent inflation data coming out of the US, we dive in to why the market is so upset about a 0.1% increase in prices, and what this means from an Australian investor's perspective.

Recession fears build, yet equity markets end the week higher

June 27, 2022

Fears of a US recession later this year gathered pace last week and the US equity market jumped by almost 7% and the Nasdaq was up some 9%.

Bad news equals good news

June 6, 2022

In recent years professional investors have got increasingly used to the fact that good news is bad news for markets because higher interest rates are likely to be necessary, and of course vice-versa. However, last week the effect was stronger than ever and stocks rallied mid-week amidst reports of widespread lay-offs and expectations of a weak US jobs report.

Investor Resources

Better World makes a difference with investment in renewables

January 4, 2023

There are many direct assets and funds that contribute positively to climate action within the InvestSense Better World Portfolios. Meridian Energy is one of the stand-out direct assets in the portfolio with a climate energy focus.

Carbon credits and investing – is it the outcome we expect?

November 21, 2022

ETFs that invest in carbon credits are now available. Why should we assume that their price will go up over time? And does buying a carbon credit ETF actually contribute positively to emissions reduction? Will it actually generate the outcome investors are expecting? This article explores the issues around investing in carbon credits.

Helping your clients assess the climate impact of their Portfolio

November 15, 2021

Nathan Fradley explains how the ethosesg technology can help you assess and design an ethical portfolio that aligns to an investor’s personal values.

How Mark Lewin saved 13 hours a week with Managed Accounts

November 28, 2022

Mark Lewin was a financial planner, but is now the Director of Back Office Heros. In his planning business he gained significant efficiencies by recommending and implementing managed accounts for his clients. He tells us how...

Bad news equals good news

June 6, 2022

In recent years professional investors have got increasingly used to the fact that good news is bad news for markets because higher interest rates are likely to be necessary, and of course vice-versa. However, last week the effect was stronger than ever and stocks rallied mid-week amidst reports of widespread lay-offs and expectations of a weak US jobs report.

‘Buy the dip’ opportunism start surfacing

May 30, 2022

The US market finally market caught a bid last week. Early in the week the market was down few percent after an earnings miss by ad dependent social media platform Snap (of Snapchat fame) combined with weak guidance raised more doubts about the economy and economic resilience of tech companies.

US momentarily dips into official bear market territory

May 23, 2022

The seventh negative week in a row for the US sent it briefly into official bear market territory before it recovered slightly late on Friday. The world’s largest stocks (Apple, Microsoft Amazon and Google) are all down 25%.

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S&P 500 Breaks 5,000 Amid Mixed Economic Signals and Rate Cut Speculations

It was an up and down week for markets after a strong finish the prior week. Markets ended slightly up but the Fed pushed back on imminent rate cuts, putting some pressure on markets. However, positive earnings results overcame that and the US market hit new highs.

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U.S. Jobs Report Sparks Market Shift

Amid a mixed bag of US corporate earnings and a strong jobs report fueling rate hike expectations, global markets face contrasting fortunes, highlighting the complexity of forecasting economic trends in a time of technological growth and geopolitical uncertainty.

Listen now

Global Equities Surge on Hopes of Economic Stimulus

Investor Resources

Investor Insights

Interest rates expectations continue to set the tone

January 17, 2022

2021 In Review

January 4, 2022

Investor Brochures

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Market & Portfolio Update September 2023

Update on the markets and the portfolios for the InvestSense flagship Portfolios for the September quarter 2023

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Better World case study - Accountable Institutions

Flyer on some of the companies that focus on corporate governance and benefits for employees in the Better World Portfolios

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Better World Case Study - Healthcare

Flyer on the healthcare companies that are making a difference in the Better World portfolios

faqs

Explore some common questions asked by investors and advisers...

InvestSense

Why do InvestSense Portfolios have CPI+ objectives?

Investors should consider what they want to achieve for their investments in relation to 'real' returns - the returns in excess of inflation. Portfolios with CPI+ objectives aim to provide investors with a guide to what they can expect in real terms from their investment options.

Managed Accounts

What is a Managed Account?

A Managed Account is an investment portfolio managed by professional fund managers. It is a structure that allows the manager to make changes to the portfolio in line with market conditions.

Managed Accounts

What are the benefits of Managed Accounts?

Managed accounts offer a variety of benefits to both advisers and investors alike. Managed accounts provide access to professionally managed and structured portfolios designed to deliver returns in line with a client's risk tolerance and investment goals.

Managed Accounts

How do I convert my clients’ portfolios to Managed Accounts?

Switching into Managed Accounts can be daunting, but the value delivered by these accounts make it well worth the effort and reduces client management over time. With a project based approach, you can effectively migrate clients from existing portfolios into our Managed Accounts.

InvestSense

What is the InvestSense investment process?

We believe that an investment approach should always be focused on delivering value for our clients and investors. Our process is based on three pillars which include being valuation driven, forward looking and transparent.

InvestSense

What valuation methodology do InvestSense use?

We believe in following a value based investment approach based on our risk management framework and our forward looking valuation approach.

Managed Accounts

What is a Managed Account?

August 2, 2024

A Managed Account is an investment portfolio managed by professional fund managers. It is a structure that allows the manager to make changes to the portfolio in line with market conditions.

Managed Accounts

What are the benefits of Managed Accounts?

August 2, 2024

Managed accounts offer a variety of benefits to both advisers and investors alike. Managed accounts provide access to professionally managed and structured portfolios designed to deliver returns in line with a client's risk tolerance and investment goals.

Managed Accounts

How do I convert my clients’ portfolios to Managed Accounts?

August 2, 2024

Switching into Managed Accounts can be daunting, but the value delivered by these accounts make it well worth the effort and reduces client management over time. With a project based approach, you can effectively migrate clients from existing portfolios into our Managed Accounts.

InvestSense

Why do InvestSense Portfolios have CPI+ objectives?

September 23, 2024

Investors should consider what they want to achieve for their investments in relation to 'real' returns - the returns in excess of inflation. Portfolios with CPI+ objectives aim to provide investors with a guide to what they can expect in real terms from their investment options.

InvestSense

What is the InvestSense investment process?

August 2, 2024

We believe that an investment approach should always be focused on delivering value for our clients and investors. Our process is based on three pillars which include being valuation driven, forward looking and transparent.

InvestSense

What valuation methodology do InvestSense use?

August 2, 2024

We believe in following a value based investment approach based on our risk management framework and our forward looking valuation approach.

Ethical Investing

What filters are used in the InvestSense ethical investment process?

August 2, 2024

InvestSense makes a number of considerations when assessing whether an asset is suitable for inclusion in our Better World Portfolios. The focus for all selection criteria is to exclude assets that may have a negative impact on people or planet and to ensure that sustainability and ethical management are at the forefront.

Ethical Investing

Do the InvestSense Better World funds invest in Renewable Energy?

August 2, 2024

Better World investments Portfolios have a focus on ethically aware investment opportunities which does include alternative energy solutions such as renewable energy. All investments consider whether a company is focused on creating positive change and contributing towards a more sustainable future.

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Weekly market updates, podcasts and articles

Market Insights

Investing in Japan: The contrarian investment is getting difficult to ignore

The start of a new regime change Part 1 - The Set Up

Whispers of a changing rates outlook

A full cycle in one week

Volatile ride continues as markets react to inflation data

UK pension system reaches breaking point

Markets Trek Higher on Approach to Peak Inflation

Australian Dollar Slides on Divergent RBA and Fed Policy Messaging

October's Financial Flux: A Precursor to Change in Investor Fortunes

Stocks Stumble, Bonds Steady as Growth Fears Loom

Rising Rates Rattle Stocks as Geopolitical Risks Emerge

Riding the Market Rollercoaster

Andrew Hunt's visit to New York and some key implications for global markets

Equities turbulent but resilient as interest rates rise

Strong start to the year continues despite recession concerns

Inflation - Flash Update

Recession fears build, yet equity markets end the week higher

Bad news equals good news

Better World makes a difference with investment in renewables

Carbon credits and investing – is it the outcome we expect?

Helping your clients assess the climate impact of their Portfolio

How Mark Lewin saved 13 hours a week with Managed Accounts

Bad news equals good news

‘Buy the dip’ opportunism start surfacing

US momentarily dips into official bear market territory

Adviser Brochures

InvestSense Podcast

Investor Insights

Interest rates expectations continue to set the tone

2021 In Review

Investor Brochures

Explore some common questions asked by investors and advisers...

Why do InvestSense Portfolios have CPI+ objectives?

What is a Managed Account?

What are the benefits of Managed Accounts?

How do I convert my clients’ portfolios to Managed Accounts?

What is the InvestSense investment process?

What valuation methodology do InvestSense use?

What is a Managed Account?

What are the benefits of Managed Accounts?

How do I convert my clients’ portfolios to Managed Accounts?

Why do InvestSense Portfolios have CPI+ objectives?

What is the InvestSense investment process?

What valuation methodology do InvestSense use?

What filters are used in the InvestSense ethical investment process?

Do the InvestSense Better World funds invest in Renewable Energy?

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