The threat of inflation looks set to return after a couple of quiet years, and price rises are predicted to have a significant effect on investment portfolios.

A plan to use capital guarantees to help entice KiwiSavers into growth funds is unlikely to be a game-changer for the scheme, a KiwiSaver manager says.

Stocks in the resources sector are up to 20% undervalued but an active investment approach is required to make the most of opportunities, a resources specialist says.

It’s unfair that Australian fund managers operating in New Zealand don’t have to pay Financial Markets Authority (FMA) levies, a local fund manager says.

Calls in Australia for financial advice to be made tax deductible are unlikely to gain much traction on this side of the Tasman, local commentators say.

KiwiSaver has changed New Zealand’s managed funds industry but it has had little effect on household finances so far, a superannuation researcher says.

Moves by New Zealand’s health insurers to attract younger consumers are likely to be followed by the life insurance industry, commentators say.

Another boutique fund manager is on the way, adding to a spate of new start-ups experts say is a result of special circumstances as well as industry growth.

A lack of financial planning may be contributing to the growing number of people working past the traditional retirement age of 65, financial advisers say.

Personal insurance (life and income protection) claim payouts fell slightly in 2013 but passed the billion dollar mark for the third straight year.

An international debate over advertising of financial adviser fees highlights a complex issue for New Zealand advisers, compliance specialists say.

Generation Y will present a unique challenge for financial advisers, according to new research that shows young people are more conservative investors than their parents.

Buoyant stock markets helped KiwiSaver growth funds achieve another solid year in 2013, according to new figures by research house Morningstar.

Claims self-directed investors did better than those using financial advisers last year should be taken with a grain of salt, a local finance industry figure says.

Deposit rates look set to rise this year, and commentators say this will raise the bar for financial advisers looking to attract consumers.

The landscape of the financial advice industry is expected to change in 2014 but there is debate over whether this movement will favour the big players.