Managing Funds

It has been mentioned in these columns several times over the past few years that investors should adopt a long-term view in investing.

I have mentioned before in these columns the Foreign and Colonial Investment Trust. It is a very large fund of 2.2 billion, listed on the London Stock Exchange and dual listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

Over the past week several economists have commented that "now is a good time to fix mortgage rates". I found this recommendation puzzling and was a little sceptical in that the banks have a vested interest.

The drift of the post-war "baby-boomers" into retirement is under way. Are you ready for retirement?

The Morningstar research report for KiwiSaver returns to December 31, 2011 make interesting reading.

Christmas is coming and many people cannot wait to get it over with and move on. As we are all aware, there has been considerable global financial turmoil this year. It is that time of year again where you can get yourself into trouble by getting carried away by the Christmas spirit.

Many investors are looking for income as current bank deposit rates of around 4%-4.5% are insufficient for their needs.

There has been much comment in the media lately concerning the large profits that the banks are reporting. In many ways it is a reflection of investors' own faults in a perceived flight to "safety" because of fear in the markets.

The research house Morningstar last week released its KiwiSaver Performance survey to September 30, 2011. With the funds now in place for just over four years, the number of contributors and the amount of funds under management, continues to grow.

Gift duty was abolished on October 1.