Several global markets have enjoyed very strong performances in June and so far this year. NZ and Australian markets have delivered positive performances but have lagged in comparison. Index performances are though but a yardstick for astute active investors.

As we move towards the half-way stage of the year, two drivers of equity market volatility – inflation and interest rates – appear to be largely heading for calmer waters.

“Beware the Ides of March” is a well-known Shakespearian phrase, but ultimately the month came to pass rather peacefully for markets, despite significant drama within the banking sector.

Here’s a recap on the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The responsible investing landscape is very much a dynamic one, and a critical aspect to our dynamic approach at Devon has been our recognition of the evolution occurring in Environmental, Governance and Social (ESG) influence.

It's hard to believe we're already through the first month of 2023.

New Zealand’s big electricity companies have come under fire recently, accused of generating ‘scarcity’ and prioritising ‘excess dividends’ over the past decade.

Why the recent pivot by a major central bank and results thus far from US the earnings season have provided reasons for investors to be optimistic, and despite elevated levels of inflation.

With inflation starting to come down in places, and economies coming from a position of strength, have we reached ‘Peak Fear’ as it relates to central bank tightening endeavours?

The earnings season which is winding down in New Zealand will be remembered as one of the more pivotal ones in recent years.

Sky-high inflation numbers continue to garner much attention, but are they already yesterday’s ‘fish and chip wrapper’?

Devon Funds head of retail Greg Smith asks if high levels of pessimism, high cash balances and depressed market multiples mean we are almost at the end of this year’s volatility?

The correction in global markets seen thus far in 2022 has caused many investors to question whether several of the big picture themes that emerged during the pandemic will ever make a comeback or are consigned to the annals of history.

It has been one of the most volatile starts to a year on record, with the initial catalyst for investor angst not having been Omicron, but instead fears over rising interest rates, and the knock-on impact to economic growth.