IFA looks for new director; Financial literacy material launched for Kiwis; Magellan fund beating the market

The next round of home loan rates have started this week, with most banks making, or predicted to make, significant changes.

Well it's been reveal week for a number of the listed companies. We have had AXA and AMP produce their six-monthly financials and Tower front up to shareholders at its annual meeting.

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Morningstar has announced the finalists in its annual Fund Manager of the Year Awards and added two new categories: for KiwiSaver managers and Emerging Fund manager.

As the world watched goggle-eyed at the inauguration of America’s 44th President, I wondered whether, in four years’ time, "Yes, we can!" will be have become "Yes, he did!".

As regular readers of our Commentary will no doubt be aware, we have tended to be on the pessimistic side of economic forecasters over the last year or so. However, even we must admit to having been surprised by the speed of arrival and the degree of severity of the current Asian Depression.

Last year was pretty horrendous for financial markets but to judge by many commentators 2009 could be worse still. The protracted process of unwinding excessive leverage and poor asset quality that built up in the global financial system over recent years is likely to continue across this year

AXA’s rating has been raised to AA from AA- by credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, due to its ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts.

Fisher keeps Kingfish contract; KBC Water Fund dries up; Small tax changes – big growth opportunities

One of the most interesting stories this week had to be the one Good Returns ran about AXA and Gould Wealth Management.