Market Commentary
Monthly Wrap Up
February saw the markets react to President Trump’s aggressive policy actions, introducing both uncertainty and disruption for investors. This has led to a decline in US Treasury bond yields, a weakened US dollar, and a pullback in major US stocks. The long-term economic impact remains uncertain, while the short-term highlights the challenges posed by the administration’s front-loaded policies, as well as a potential slowdown in the US economy. We remain focused on the medium to long-term view, however, and the secular trends driving investment opportunities. Read more in the February Wrap Up.
Quarterly Economic Forecasts
- 2024 has been a long year, filled with twists and turns over the interest rate outlook, the US election, and finally closing with some early signs that things are on the mend
- Wholesale interest rates started off the year on the way up, on speculation that the RBNZ would lift the OCR
- The RBNZ then reinforced in May that interest rates were unlikely to come down until well into 2025. Inflation pressures suddenly crumbled, and the RBNZ ended up cutting the OCR by 125bp before the end of 2024
Read more in our latest Quarterly Economic Forecasts report.
To read more from our ASB experts, visit Blog: Your Money and our Quarterly Economic Forecasts.
ASB Investment Podcast
Markets in 2025: Top Risks and Opportunities with Harbour Asset Management
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Chris Wilson (Co-CEO) and Chris Di Leva (Head of Multi Asset & Global Investments) from Harbour Asset Management to discuss their recent report on the key risks and opportunities they see shaping markets in 2025. They discuss macro-economic trends, geopolitical tensions, and the intersection of AI and climate. Plus, the inflation outlook and future of private market investment in New Zealand.
Financial Fitness with The Curve - The path to a stronger future
ASB’s Nigel Grant is joined by Victoria Harris (Co-Founder, The Curve) to break down financial fitness – what it means, why it matters and how to achieve it. They discuss tracking your spending, setting goals, and using financial wellbeing tools to build strong money habits. Plus, how investing plays a role in long-term financial success.
Will the RBNZ pump the brakes or hit the gas on 19th Feb?
In the first episode of 2025, host Nigel Grant is joined by podcast favourite Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) to discuss market performance in January and to give his thoughts as we look ahead to the year's first OCR announcement.
To hear more from the ASB Investment Podcast, listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
What our partnership with BlackRock means for you
We’ve appointed BlackRock to help us provide better investment outcomes to our customers. BlackRock, the world's largest investment management firm, will enhance our investment offering and will see our customers benefit from their global expertise, insights and market responsiveness.
For more on how they are adding value to your investments, click the links below:
ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Useful Links
Discover the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme fund that's right for you
Choosing the right ASB KiwiSaver Scheme fund is an important part of your savings goal. Check out our handy Help Me Choose tool for more information on our fund options.
KiwiSaver calculator
Whether you’re focussed on a worry-free retirement or buying your first home, KiwiSaver is a powerful savings tool. Our calculator will show you what your KiwiSaver savings could look like at retirement or for a first home withdrawal.
Quarterly Fund Updates
Check out our ASB KiwiSaver Scheme quarterly fund updates to see where your money is invested, how our funds have performed and what fees were charged.
Fund returns
Discover the latest investment performance updates for your ASB KiwiSaver Scheme fund.
ASB Investment Funds Useful Links
Check that you're in the right fund
To make sure your investment continues to work for you, it's important to check that you're still invested in the most suitable fund for your savings goal and timeframe.
Quarterly Fund Updates
Check out our ASB Investment Funds quarterly fund updates to see where your money is invested, how our funds have performed, and what fees were charged.
Fund returns
Check out the latest fund performance information for your fund.
We're here to help
Speak to an investment specialist.
BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BlackRock) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock, Inc is based in the US and is a leading global provider of investment management services. BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable.
Interests in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme and ASB Investment Funds (Schemes) are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides administration and distribution services for the Schemes. No person guarantees interests in the Schemes. Interests in the Schemes are not deposits or other liabilities of ASB. They are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of income and principal invested. For more information see the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement or the ASB Investment Funds Product Disclosure Statement available from this website and the register of offers of financial products at www.disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz (search for ASB).
