There is a common misperception that the NZ housing cycle is running around 1 year behind Australia.

A third consecutive month of strong returns has once again rewarded investors in NZ managed funds in July.

Residential property prices eased in July although sales remained strong, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) residential real estate figures.

Christchurch

Auckland

There are signs of a pick up in the hedge fund market after a disappointing period, director and head of portfolio management for GAM Hong Kong Josephine Shaw says.

New Zealand Finance says changes to home loan commission structures by banks will create opportunity and this will only help develop the non-bank housing market in New Zealand.

Wellington

Auckland

Salvus picks up in August, Disclosure bill lapses, Private equity fund makes first buy, Tower sells Wellington home, ASB profits, so too Morningstar. KiwiSaver Morgan's latest target.

The value of hedging has become clear to investors recently, with hedged foreign stocks and bonds returning approximately 14.5% more over the year to July 2005 than their unhedged cousins, according to Russell Investment Group NZ Managing Director, Dr Edward Schuck.

New Zealand Finance has bought the residential division of mortgage brokers Property Pack in Wellington and expects to make a return of 50% pre-tax on this investment in the first 12 months.

Auckland