VGB Wealth Matters

Highlights:

• The global economy is benefiting from a broad-based, cyclical recovery, supported by higher levels of investment and accommodative monetary policy.

• The US economy ended 2017 on a slightly shaky footing, although the overall employment situation continues to improve and the bond market is anticipating further rate hikes.

• Growth in Europe continues to surprise on the upside, supported by rises in private consumption and business investment.

• The Chinese economy slowed marginally in the December quarter, with GDP growth falling to 6.8% and PMI figures lower than expected.

• The Australian economy continues to improve, although weaker than expected inflation all but scuppered the chance of a February rate hike.

If you have any questions regarding this report or would like to discuss your portfolio, please contact me directly on 03 9544 8863

Read full February 2018 market update report  >>

Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of NAB Asset Management's Senior Economist Bob Cunneen talking to Head of Investment Communications Jason Hazell to find out.

They discuss:

• the recent volatility in investment markets and what might happen over the next couple of months, and

• the performance of the Australian share market during January.

The best of times can also be the most worrying of times for investors.

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With advances in technology, we are inundated with lots of different innovations to save time and make tasks less laborious. One area which has undergone huge changes within the latter part of the last century is food – what we eat, when we eat and how we prepare food.

Now more than ever we have access to food which has been prepared for us - in whole or in part. But is this a good thing?

Read full article >>