St Jame’s Place Guide to Investing in Volatile Markets

Why investing for the long-term is the way to help you achieve your goals

Investors always have a long list of things to worry about. The ongoing ramifications of the pandemic continue to play out even as the COVID-19 threat slowly recedes. The effects of the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and the biggest cost-of-living crisis in decades are creating further distress. In this uncertain and volatile time, it can be very easy to make knee-jerk decisions that might not be the best course of action.

Global financial markets snapshot This report refers to the month of June 2022, but we also include 5 July +0.50% RBA rate hike to 1.35%, which is consistent with the theme of accelerating rate hikes driving global sentiment and investment markets. June 2022, like May, was another month of two halves. In the first half, share prices rose and bond prices fell (ie yields rose) on hopes of continued economic growth, albeit with inflation. In the second half of June, share prices fell and bond prices rose (yields fell) as investors started to worry more that increasingly aggressive rate hikes would trigger economic recessions. The turning point was the US Fed’s 3rd rate hike on 15 June, raising US rates by 0.75%, following hikes of 0.25% in March and 0.50% in May. Slowdown fears in the second half of June also brought down prices of oil, gas, coal, industrial metals like copper and iron ore, and also the Australian dollar.

Stanford Brown Monthly Investment Report - May was released this week.

Stanford Brown Monthly Investment May Report will help you navigate through these uncertain times. Clarity and the most current information is essential to making clear and informed decisions. It is crucial to be informed about the movements in the local and international economy.

It is crucial to prepare for the worst in a modern world, even though we hate to think about the inevitable for us all. Death is not a cheerful subject; therefore, we push it to the backs of our minds and put off updating or even writing a Will. A Will; must be written correctly to avoid heartache for those left behind and avoid unnecessary tax bills. Writing a Will can be a positive as it is an opportunity to protect your family for the future.

We caught up with James from Summit Financial, a Partner Practice of St James's Place Asia for his outlook for 2022. 

2021 was a volatile year with a New Administration in the US, widespread Covid19 Vaccine rollout, rising inflation, and energy crisis S&P 500 reached record highs over 60 times Hong Kong and China remained weak. 

Looking ahead main themes that are likely to persist.

Magellan is one of Australia's preeminent International Equities Fund managers.

On Monday morning (7/2/2022) Magellan announced to the ASX that effective immediately, Hamish Douglas, their Chairman, and Head of Investments, will take a medical leave of absence to prioritise his health. 

His departure follows a well-documented period of intense pressure and focuses on his professional and personal life.